Chapter 2 Perspectives on Conflict
EXAM QUESTIONS:
Chapter 2
TRUE-FALSE
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. 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.
e. Deal with people directly.
Chapter 2 Perspectives on Conflict
2. All of the following beliefs are commonly-held viewpoints about conflict EXCEPT:
a. Harmony is normal and conflict is abnormal.
b. Disagreements are the same thing as conflicts.
c. Personality clashes are the cause of conflicts.
d. Conflict should never be escalated.
e. A good conflict is a nice conflict.
3. The following statement by Justin about a conflict with his sister Shannon is an example of
which of the conflict metaphors 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 an 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 most common metaphor used to describe conflict is
a. conflict is a war.
b. conflict is a dance.
c. conflict is a mess.
d. conflict is a balancing act.
e. conflict is explosive.
5. Metaphors that expand the potential in conflict are useful because they portray
a. a neutral approach to conflict.
b. a collaborative approach to conflict.
c. a realistic view of the danger in conflict.
d. a succinct view of the situation.
e. a competitive approach to conflict.
Chapter 2 Perspectives on Conflict
Hocker: Interpersonal Conflict, 9e TB-2 | 5
4. 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.
5.Why is it potentially problematic to encourage all individuals to strive for clear, direct,
assertive communication? Discuss the role of power in your answer.
6. Generate a list of at least six different conflict metaphors. Of your list, which metaphors limit
the possibility for productive conflict management and which expand that conflict potential?
What accounts for the difference?
7. List and describe the three types of families Hocker and Wilmot discuss in the chapter.
Which type most accurately describes your background? Explain why you think this. Finally,
discuss how this type of family has influenced how you manage conflict now.