Multiple Choice Questions (Enter your answers on the enclosed answer sheet)

1. According to the text, conflict resolution is a(n) _.
   a. set of skills that can be learned
   b. intuitive skill
   c. skill that will not be useful
   d. None of the above.
2. Chapter 1 states that step families’ conflicts are destructive _% of the time.
   a. 30
   b. 53
   c. 76
   d. 95
3. What two symbols make up the character for conflict in the Chinese language?
   a. trouble; frustration
   b. danger; opportunity
   c. struggle; hope
   d. hurt; healing
4. According to the text, the _ is “the lightning rod of recognition.”
   a. expressed struggle
   b. intrapersonal conflict
   c. triggering event
   d. interpersonal perception
5. Unproductive interdependence turns into __ conflicts according to Gottman (1999).
   a. gridlocked
   b. strategic
   c. static
   d. apocalyptic
6. and are often perceived as scarce resources in interpersonal conflict.
   a.Kindess; flexibility
   b. Time; communication
   c. Willingess; understanding
   d. Power; self-esteem

Unit 1 Examination

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BAM 547 Conflict Management

7. “Don’t get mad, get even” is considered __.
   a. the dance of intimacy
   b. retaliation
   c. a good form of anger reduction
   d. less confrontational
8. According to Gottman’s 1994 study, “conflict-avoiding couples” can actually __ their
   marriage.
   a. stabilize
   b. end
   c. increase happiness in
   d. Gottman does not mention “conflict-avoiding couples.”
9. Which of the following statements BEST describe an aggressive family?
   a.Snide comments are fine.
   b. If someone has a concern, don’t respond to it.
   c. Strong feelings are seen as normal and are allowed.
   d. Have an audience present when you engage someone.
10. Which of the following statement is NOT a commonly-held negative view of conflict?
    a. Harmony is normal and conflict is abnormal.
    b. Conflict should never be escalated.
    c. If someone is rigid in conflicts, they may have too little power.
    d. Disagreements are the same thing as conflicts.
11. Most people would not describe conflict as __.
    a. stressful
    b. exciting
    c. hostile
    d. frustrating
12. According to the text, if a conflict occurs __ times then it probably isn’t about the
    content.
    a. two
    b. three
    c. four
    d. five

Unit 1 Examination

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BAM 547 Conflict Management

13. “That criticism is right on target,” illustrates that conflict can be __.
    a. warlike and violent
    b. bullying
    c. explosive
    d. a mess
14. According to the Lens Model of Conflict, the impact of someone’s actions depends on
    __.
    a. the number of people involved
    b. the actual act because “actions speak for themselves”
    c. how those involved interpret them
    d. all of the above.
15. According to Tannen’s research, _ are more likely to take control of the conversation
    to lead it in the direction they want.
    a. in-laws
    b. children
    c. women
    d. men
16. In Sheldon’s 1992 study, __ expressions of self-interest are often meshed with an
    expression of communal interests.
    a. men’s
    b. women’s
    c. boys’
    d. girls’
17. Steve and Bonnie disagree on how to spend the money they receive from their tax refund.
    Steve wants to take the family on a trip to Seattle and Bonnie wants to save if for a rainy day.
    What type of goal does this conflict interaction represent?
    a. process
    b. topic
    c. identity
    d. relational

Unit 1 Examination

38
BAM 547 Conflict Management

18. The goals one has for the outcome of a conflict prior to actively engaging in it are called
    _ goals.
    a. relational
    b. transitive
    c. prospective
    d. retrospective
19. For most people, _ goals are the easiest to identify and tell others about.
    a. topic
    b. relational
    c. identity
    d. process
20. “We didn’t do it, and we paid the plaintiff $15,000,000,” is a good example of __.
    a. an “Alford Plea”
    b. saving face
    c. All of the above.
    d. None of the above.
21. Decisions made by a subgroup, talking informally before making a decision, and voting are all
    examples of __ goals.
    a. relational
    b. process
    c. topic
    d. overlap
22. The following statements characterize collaborative goals, except which one?
    a. Goals are behaviorally specific.
    b. Goals recognize interdependence.
    c. Short-, medium-, and long-range issues are addressed.
    d. Statements orient toward the past and present.
23. All of the following statements characterize the basic principles of relational interests and
    goals except which one?
    a. Relational interests are more important than topic interests.
    b. You always give relational messages.
    c. We each translate or interpret relational messages differently.
    d. Identity issues do not typically affect relationship messages.

Solution: