COMM 555 Midterm Exam Questions and Correct Answers 100% Verified Graded A+
Why study conflict? 6 reasons - to fine-tune your expertise; to realize that conflict
happens quite frequently; to see how conflict links to your development as a person; to diminish
aggression; to maintain or improve your physical health; and to sustain positive relationships.
4 approaches of conflict - 1: IC as Pervasive
2: IC as Explicit Disagreement
3: IC as a Hostile Episode
4: IC as Disagreement in Particular episodes
What are 5 types of conflict? - Parallel conflict, displaced conflict, missattributed conflict,
latent conflict, and false conflict.
parallel conflict style - both partners shift between complementary& symmetrical patterns
from 1 accurately perceived issue to another. (agreeing about why their conflict occurs)
displaced conflict style - occurs when ppl direct conflict toward the wrong issue, avoiding
a confrontation w/the root of the problem. (wrong issue: sulking but real issue is gf not wanting
commitment)
missattributed conflict style - when the WHO in the conflict is inaccurately perceived.
(blames the wrong person/blaming gf's ex for her commitment issues)
, latent conflict style - conflict "that should be occurring but is not" when couples have
differences in values but pretend they don't matter. (we're diff. but that will change when we're
married...ignorance is bliss)
false conflict style - ppl disagree but have no reasoning for their dis- agreement. These are
misunderstandings. If I perceive that you dislike my BF, but in fact you very much like my BF,
the conflict arising from my perception of you is a false one.
Pervasive Conflict - ppl can convey disagreements using many behaviors and can emerge
anytime, anywhere. Implies that conflict is a "surprise element"
Explicit disagreement - Many diff. behaviors that constitute conflict & in a variety of
messages/ sequential oppositions
Hostile episode - situations that have a recognizable beginning and end, which can vary
widely in the minds of diff people/ perceptual parameters
Disagreement in particular episodes - emphasizes conflict as something that is
communicated; you must express your disagreement with someone to have an interpersonal
conflict. IC must entail a behavioral form of disagreement.
Interpersonal Conflict definition - "an expressed struggle between at least two
interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from
the other party in achieving their goals"
Why study conflict? 6 reasons - to fine-tune your expertise; to realize that conflict
happens quite frequently; to see how conflict links to your development as a person; to diminish
aggression; to maintain or improve your physical health; and to sustain positive relationships.
4 approaches of conflict - 1: IC as Pervasive
2: IC as Explicit Disagreement
3: IC as a Hostile Episode
4: IC as Disagreement in Particular episodes
What are 5 types of conflict? - Parallel conflict, displaced conflict, missattributed conflict,
latent conflict, and false conflict.
parallel conflict style - both partners shift between complementary& symmetrical patterns
from 1 accurately perceived issue to another. (agreeing about why their conflict occurs)
displaced conflict style - occurs when ppl direct conflict toward the wrong issue, avoiding
a confrontation w/the root of the problem. (wrong issue: sulking but real issue is gf not wanting
commitment)
missattributed conflict style - when the WHO in the conflict is inaccurately perceived.
(blames the wrong person/blaming gf's ex for her commitment issues)
, latent conflict style - conflict "that should be occurring but is not" when couples have
differences in values but pretend they don't matter. (we're diff. but that will change when we're
married...ignorance is bliss)
false conflict style - ppl disagree but have no reasoning for their dis- agreement. These are
misunderstandings. If I perceive that you dislike my BF, but in fact you very much like my BF,
the conflict arising from my perception of you is a false one.
Pervasive Conflict - ppl can convey disagreements using many behaviors and can emerge
anytime, anywhere. Implies that conflict is a "surprise element"
Explicit disagreement - Many diff. behaviors that constitute conflict & in a variety of
messages/ sequential oppositions
Hostile episode - situations that have a recognizable beginning and end, which can vary
widely in the minds of diff people/ perceptual parameters
Disagreement in particular episodes - emphasizes conflict as something that is
communicated; you must express your disagreement with someone to have an interpersonal
conflict. IC must entail a behavioral form of disagreement.
Interpersonal Conflict definition - "an expressed struggle between at least two
interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from
the other party in achieving their goals"
