Chapter 2 Perspectives on Conflict
Hocker: Interpersonal Conflict, 10e TB-2 | 1
EXAM QUESTIONS:
Chapter 2
True/False
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of the following is one of the distinctive rules for handling conflict in an aggressive
system?
a. Snide comments are acceptable.
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.
e. Deal with people directly.
2. Which of the following is a commonly held negative view about conflict?
a. Sadness is the only emotion in conflict interaction.
Chapter 2 Perspectives on Conflict
Hocker: Interpersonal Conflict, 10e TB-2 | 2
b. Disagreements are different from conflict.
c. Conflict should always be escalated.
d. Conflict is a result of personal pathology.
e. Conflict interaction should be curt and chaotic.
3. The following statement by Justin about a conflict with his sister Shannon is an example of
which of the conflict metaphors given below? “The next time she says something about my
lifestyle, I’m likely to explode like a volcano.”
a. Conflict is a trial.
b. Conflict is a wild act of nature.
c. Conflict is a balancing act.
d. Conflict is warlike and violent.
e. Conflict is like a dance.
4. According to Hocker and Wilmot, the central metaphor used to describe conflict is that of:
a. a war.
b. a dance.
c. bullying.
d. a balancing act.
e. a bargaining table.
5. Which of the following theories assume that individuals learn to be male or female based on
communication and observation?
a. Social learning theory
b. The lens model of conflict
c. Attribution theory
d. Collectivist theory
e. Transformative theory
6. According to Hocker and Wilmot, which type of family is characterized by walking away
from conflicts, never raising your voice, not telling anyone if there is a struggle, and keeping
strong feelings to yourself?
a. Collaborative family
b. Permissive family
Chapter 2 Perspectives on Conflict
Hocker: Interpersonal Conflict, 10e TB-2 | 3
c. Aggressive family
d. Avoidant family
e. Passive family
7. Which of the following statements is true about research regarding gender differences in
conflict?
a. Adolescent girls tend to be more aggressive than adolescent boys.
b. Men and women generally handle conflict in similar ways.
c. Women tend to take more control of conversations than men to lead it in the direction
they want.
d. Women are more likely to avoid conflict than men.
e. Men tend to engage in the listening role more than women.
Short-Answer/Essay Questions
1. Differentiate between the characteristics of conflict in individualistic cultures and collectivist
cultures.
2. What role do attributions play in the lens model of conflict? How do our attributions for
ourselves and others differ? In your answer, be sure to define attributions and provide at least
two specific examples.
3. Discuss the advantages of using metaphors for diagnosing conflicts, specifying (1) how they
give you a view of conflict dynamics and (2) how they can be used to generate unique strategies
you might make in a conflict.
4. Why is it potentially problematic to encourage all individuals to strive for clear, direct,
assertive communication?
5. Generate a list of at least six different conflict metaphors. Out of the metaphors on your list,
identify the ones that limit the possibility for productive conflict management and the ones that
expand that conflict potential. What accounts for the difference?
6. List and describe the three types of families Hocker and Wilmot discuss in Chapter 2. Which
type most accurately describes your background? Explain. Finally, discuss how this type of
family has influenced how you manage conflict currently.