Communicating Perspectives in Conflict Resolution

The assignment analyzes the impact of various communication styles, particularly focusing on 'I' and 'You' language, in conflict resolution. It delves into how these linguistic choices influence perceptions and potentially hinder or facilitate understanding. The document also touches upon future research avenues within specific contexts like families or corporations.

Psychology Lab Report: How we
initiate communication during conflict
can make a difference
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Significance of the study..............................................................................................................3
Research aim and objectives........................................................................................................4
Literature review..............................................................................................................................5
Understanding the causes behind conflicts due to inappropriate initiation of communication...5
Examine the role of I & You statements in family communication............................................6
Analyzing effective ways to initiate communication during the situation of conflicts...............7
METHODS......................................................................................................................................8
RESULTS........................................................................................................................................9
Application of one way Annova................................................................................................10
DISCUSSION................................................................................................................................13
Findings.....................................................................................................................................13
Implication.................................................................................................................................13
Limitations.................................................................................................................................13
Future researcher........................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15
2

INTRODUCTION
Conflict refers to disagreement where desires and facts of individuals push or pull them
in divergent directions. It happens because of psychological effect under which nobody gets
ready to accept other’s opinion in a particular situation. However, communicated perspective of
individuals differentiates each other because of their perspective taking behavior. Present report
is based upon initiation of communication during conflict in different situations whether related
to personal or professional life. Here, focus is laid on owning emotions, that is, the way in which
one reacts to express self-versus others. Generally, conflict takes place because of disagreement
among people and their different opinions. Conflicts is the outcome of simple misunderstanding,
mistake and distinct opinions or fundamental requirements (Ainsworth and et. al., 2015). Here,
inability of ones to directly communicate something or breakdown in communication procedure
tends to create frustration which in turn form conflicts among two people or in group.
There are different types of communication strategies which are used by the corporation
in order to integrate all business activities. Similarly, in personal life, individuals face issues
because of their small conflicts and lack of understanding related to their conversation. However,
psychological effect tends to increase their tension and affects personal life to a great extent. For
this purpose, clear communication should be there to resolve the conflicts and initiation of
communication should be appropriate in case of adverse situations (Bar-Tal & Halperin, 2011).
However, it will be helpful to avoid unfavorable circumstance as positive and healthy
understanding will be developed and proper flow of communication can be maintained.
Significance of the study
In the current era, improper flow of communication is creating issue in society and
people are having conflicts because of lack of understanding. It is happening in both personal
and professional life where people face issue in understanding simple facts and thus, they argue
with each other. Many times, people initiate the communication in a rude manner which
indirectly or directly leads to conflicts. Such kind of scenario increases the stress level of
individual and distract them from this goal. Psychological effect among people is created just
because of poor communication and they tend to focus upon differences exist in group rather on
similarities.
3

However, disagreement is likely to be faced by individuals but a clear understanding can
be helpful in avoiding conflicts. Owing to this, current study upon initiation of communication in
conflict situation can make difference that will be helpful to understand such kind of situation
and psychological impact of communication on their thought process. Apart from this, current
study will be helpful for corporations that are facing issue related to poor communication and its
direct impact on productivity (Halperin, 2013). It facilitates to make them understand the reasons
behind conflicts and its psychological impact on workforce. However, findings of study will be
helpful for social life as well under which individual comes to know about effective
communication and its direct impact on their understanding in particular situation. Owing to this,
current study will be helpful for different parties such as students, scholars and professionals as
well as families.
Research aim and objectives
Aim and objectives of current study are explained as below which serve as a path for
researcher to complete the entire study in an effectual manner-
Aim-To analyze how to initiate communicate during conflict
Research objectives
Current research objectives are framed in accordance with the research aim whereby it
becomes effective to follow set pattern for collection of appropriate information and analysis of
the same.
 To understand the causes behind conflicts due to inappropriate initiation of
communication
 To examine the role of I & You statements in family communication
 To analyze effective ways to initiate communication during the situation of conflicts
According to the aforementioned research objectives, at first, researcher identifies causes
of conflicts by accessing numerous sources and case studies/scenario. It will be effective to
suggest appropriate strategies and conduct the entire survey in light of research aim and
objectives. Further, in the second objective, role of different statements which are used in family
communication will be examined. Lastly, effective ways to initiate communication during
conflict situation will be analyzed.
4

Hypothesis
H0: There is significant impact of age on communicated perspective and I & You language
H1:There is no significant impact of age on communicated perspective and I & You language
H0:There is significant impact of gender on communicated perspective and I & You language
H1:There is no significant impact of gender on communicated perspective and I & You language
LITERATURE REVIEW
This is the most important part of entire study which consists of important information
related to topic under investigation. In the current study, different sources of information such as
journals, books and articles are selected so as to collect a detailed information with regard to
selected topic. Collection of large amount of information make it possible to clarify the scenario
and accordingly, draw valid outcomes for the current study. However, literature review is carried
out as per the research aim and objectives by which in turn researcher can draw valid outcomes.
Understanding the causes behind conflicts due to inappropriate initiation of communication
According to Wilkowski & Meier (2010) there are different causes which tend to form
poor communication in team and leads to conflict. It consists of trigger events like issues,
perspective, understandings and beliefs as well as values. Along with that, goals and opinions are
also included. These different trigger events are generated because of internal and external
pressure. However, Brugnach and et. al., (2011) an organization put pressure on employees to
accomplish the target within short time without any kind of motivation among them. It affects
their performance to a great extent and make them demotivated at the workplace. Furthermore,
lack of education and training in the firm hampers understanding level of employees and
management when it becomes important to offer them continuous learning. Volkema & Fleck
(2012) explained that appropriate use of I and You statement make a significant different during
the situation of conflict or adverse condition. It assists a person to communicate regarding the
issues in structured manner and get the same resolved on time.
Thompson, Wang & Gunia (2010) asserted that incompatible behavior is also the reason
behind conflicts under which one partner does not react appropriately to other. It tends to create
5

dissatisfaction and accordingly conflicts may take place. Furthermore, personal dislikes is also
the crucial factors which affect process of communication. Owing to this, all these stated factors
affect communication between group and individual or families Cloke & Goldsmith, (2011).
Examine the role of I & You statements in family communication
According to Emmitt & Gorse (2009) I and You statement are very important in family
communication wherein focus is laid on description of thoughts, feelings and other experience
related to one person. Generally I statement is associated with the person who is making them
which may cover concerns or reactions. By using this kind of statements one can bring up
problem which exists in the interpersonal relationship. It is helpful to locate the problem
effectively by which subjective belief are considered rather that focusing upon objective fact.
Such kind of statements play important role to clarify the scenario in front of family members.
For example, in case parent is tired and does not have stamina to play with kids then he/she can
use I statement such as “i am not feeling good my kid because I am tired”. It can be critically
evaluated that You statement might hurt kid if it is not used appropriately. Higgin & Jessop,
(2013) explained that I statement tends to be less threatening which in turn children can
effectively learn regarding their responsibilities and adopt appropriate kind of behaviour. In this
manner, I statement facilitates to ensure honesty, openness and intimacy in relationship whereby
families can live happy without any kind of clashes. In such manner, I statement consists of
6

description of unacceptable behavior, tangible concrete behaviour and feeling experience by
people.
On the other hand, Eisaguirre (2016) reported that “You” statements usually close down
the communication process because here judgment is conveyed. It focuses upon person that
what he did or not did. Not matter whether the action is right or wrong but tends to focus upon
what should not be doing and what should be. By using You statement it becomes less feasible
to present the problem in front of family. An example of a married lady living in family who
feels uncomfortable about routines, rituals and traditions could say to her son that You are so
irresponsible as we ought to have much rigidity and you need to ensure to reach home on time.
In such manner, I & You statement play important role to present the scenario in more complex
manner.
Analyzing effective ways to initiate communication during the situation of conflicts
According to Volkema & Fleck (2012) conflict situation can be handled effectively in
case communication is initiated. Here, partner can communicate about issues to other person by
making the scenario clear. This would be helpful to overcome potential issues and provide
comfort zone for all available people in family. However, initiation of communication in case of
conflict can make a difference as the way person speak can be effective to avoid conflicts.
Wilkowski & Meier (2010) reflected that the first stage of every conflict remain disagreement
under which people tend to posse negative attitude towards other. In case of couple, lack of
understand or varying opinion become the crucial issue and they perceive that he/she is not
supporting. However, Coombs, (2014) explained that many a times personnel or individual in
relationship felt bad and try to avoid the situation of conflicts. Still, it creates issues in interesting
with client where confrontation take place. Under this, client or partner discuss with each other
so as to resolve the issues in an effectual manner.
7

In this manner, process reflecting in the graph will be effective to resolve the issues under
which I and we statement will be used. It proves to be effective for increasing motivation of
workforce and partners. Apart from this, Maoz (2011) conflict resolution is done by using
appropriate approach through one partner which tends to generate appropriate outcome in term
of better understanding.
METHODS
Methodology is the important part of study which provides detail information related to
respondents selected and procedures applied to derive valid outcome. It facilitates to derive valid
outcome and reach at the aim of the study in an effectual manner. It will covers different aspects
such as participants, materials and procedures where explanation is provided as follows-
Participants
Participants for the current study are PSY3304 students which consists of both male and
female. The are provided detail information related to purpose of study and their willingness to
take part in the study will be considered. It will be helpful for researcher to gather fruitful
information for the entire study.
Materials
The material referred for current study includes six scenario where each consist eight
statements. It consists of different communicated perspective such as both self & other, pother-
only and self only or none. It would be effective to draw valid outcome in order to reach at the
aim of the study in an effectual manner.
8

Procedure
The structured process is applied for collection of large amount of information. It reflects
that online survey is conducted whereby statements provided for each scenario are analyzed on
the basis of perceived likelihood. It facilitates to assess that how a person would react in
defensive manner on 6-point scale. This scale consists of 6 points; extremely unlikely, very
likely, somewhat unlikely, somewhat likely etc. This aspect tends to reflect view point of
participants and effectiveness of used statements.
Six scenarios
All the six scenario consists of different types of situation and followed by statements.
The example of Mike and Lucky can be considered who live together and work full time. Here,
Mike whenever does the work of cleaning in house and ask for help to lucky then usually he gets
reply that she is too tired after full day at work to do cleaning. At this juncture, Mike feels that it
is not fair as he should be responsible for all the cleaning duties.
Each of the provided scenario is assessed on the basis of following aspects-
 Description of protagonist problem
 Description of protagonist point of view
 Description of protagonist understanding of other person's point of view
Rating statements for all six scenario will be as follows-
 Communicating:self& other perspective, with I-language (SO.I)
 Communicating:Self & other perspective, with you-language (S.O.Y)
 Communicating:Self perspective, with I-language (SI)
 Communicating: Self perspective with You-language (S.Y)
 Communicating:Other perspective, with I-language (O.I)
 Communicating:Other perspective, with You-language (O.Y)
 Communicating:No perspective, with I-language (O.I)
 Communicating:No perspective, with You-language (O.Y)
RESULTS
The collected information are analyzed by taking into account dependent variables and
independent.
Factor 1:Age
9

Dependent: communicated perspective
Dependent: I and You language
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
1 .5 .5 .5
1 94 47.2 47.2 47.7
2 31 15.6 15.6 63.3
3 21 10.6 10.6 73.9
4 22 11.1 11.1 84.9
5 19 9.5 9.5 94.5
6 7 3.5 3.5 98.0
7 3 1.5 1.5 99.5
8 1 .5 .5 100.0
Total 199 100.0 100.0
According to the above table, people lies in age range of 18-25 were higher and accounts
for 47.2%. On the other hand, 15% respondents lies in the category of 26-30%. It depicts that
involvement of young population is greater in the current investigation. Owing to this, their view
points might different to a great extent and they play significant role in deriving valid outcome.
Gender
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
1 165 82.9 82.9 82.9
2 34 17.1 17.1 100.0
Total 199 100.0 100.0
The following table is showing that majority of female were involved in the study and
they accounts for total 82.9% whereas 17.1% where male.
Application of one way Annova
Factor 2: Age
Dependent: communicated perspective
10

The following table is showing that how gender has impact on communicated
perspective. It has been found that different communicated perceptive such as SOI and SOY as
OI and SI as well as OY's significance value is greater than .05. It reflects that null hypothesis
can is rejected. It depicts that Age of person does not affect affect communicated perspective.
ANOVA
Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
SOI
Between Groups 1.152 7 .165 .232 .977
Within Groups 134.601 190 .708
Total 135.752 197
SOY
Between Groups 2.099 7 .300 .821 .571
Within Groups 69.372 190 .365
Total 71.472 197
SI
Between Groups 2.912 7 .416 1.354 .227
Within Groups 58.377 190 .307
Total 61.290 197
SY
Between Groups 3.839 7 .548 1.388 .212
Within Groups 75.051 190 .395
Total 78.890 197
OI
Between Groups .658 7 .094 .210 .983
Within Groups 85.182 190 .448
Total 85.840 197
OY
Between Groups 3.038 7 .434 1.182 .315
Within Groups 69.731 190 .367
Total 72.769 197
Factor 1:Age
Dependent: I and You language
The following table is showing that both I and You language has significance value more
than .05. It reflects that there is no significant impact of age on I and You language. These
factors are not influenced by age.
ANOVA
Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
I Between Groups 2.566 7 .367 .660 .705
11

Within Groups 105.453 190 .555
Total 108.019 197
Y
Between Groups 3.021 7 .432 .575 .776
Within Groups 142.573 190 .750
Total 145.594 197
Factor 2: Gender
Dependent: communicated perspective
According to the following table, it has been found that significance value of OY and
SOY is less than .05 which shows that null hypothesis can accepted. This is because gender
affect all of these factors where view point of make and female might be varying. Apart from
this, other statements like SOI, SI and OI's significance value is greater than 5 where null
hypothesis is rejected and shows that gender does not impact on communicated perspective.
ANOVA
Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
SOI
Between Groups 1.106 1 1.106 1.611 .206
Within Groups 135.204 197 .686
Total 136.310 198
SOY
Between Groups 4.596 1 4.596 13.526 .000
Within Groups 66.939 197 .340
Total 71.535 198
SI
Between Groups .033 1 .033 .105 .746
Within Groups 61.277 197 .311
Total 61.310 198
SY
Between Groups .979 1 .979 2.475 .117
Within Groups 77.918 197 .396
Total 78.897 198
OI
Between Groups .113 1 .113 .259 .611
Within Groups 85.751 197 .435
Total 85.864 198
OY
Between Groups 1.904 1 1.904 5.285 .023
Within Groups 70.977 197 .360
Total 72.881 198
Factor 2: Gender
Dependent: I & You language
12

The following mentioned table is showing that gender does not have any impact on I &
You language it is based on specific situation. For example, a person take decision in accordance
with prevailing situation where initiation of communication in conflict situation can make a
difference.
ANOVA
Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
I
Between Groups 2.566 7 .367 .660 .705
Within Groups 105.453 190 .555
Total 108.019 197
Y
Between Groups 3.021 7 .432 .575 .776
Within Groups 142.573 190 .750
Total 145.594 197
DISCUSSION
Findings
According to the discussion it has been found that age and gender do not affect the
communicated perspective and I & You language. It is based on particular situation under which
different aspects are selected. However, any body either male and female will have varying
views ans suggestion for particular circumstances. This aspect will be effective to take
appropriate decision and opt effective style of communication.
Implication
The present study can be applied for corporate world as well as personal life such as
family and couple. It would be make significant different because no any particular such as male
and female affect the procedure of communication such as communicated perspective and I &
You language. In this manner, researcher can apply the study in social life as well as corporate
world for resolving conflict situations.
Limitations
The major limitation of the study was lack of sufficient time which affected entire
completion of study. However, researcher used appropriate procedure to complete the study on
time in order to draw valid outcome. Apart from this, some of the participants do not contribute
towards towards data collection procedures because of long survey.
13

Future researcher
The future research can be conducted in specific area such as family or corporate world.
It facilitates to understand the perception of people and accordingly analyze impact of
communicated perspective or I & You language.
14

REFERENCES
Journals and books
Ainsworth, M. D. S. and et. al., (2015). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the
strange situation. Psychology Press.
Bar-Tal, D., & Halperin, E. (2011). Socio-psychological barriers to conflict
resolution. Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective.
pp.217-240.
Brugnach, M. and et. al.,(2011). More is not always better: coping with ambiguity in natural
resources management. Journal of Environmental Management. 92(1). pp.78-84.
Cloke, K., & Goldsmith, J. (2011). Resolving conflicts at work: eight strategies for everyone on
the job. John Wiley & Sons.
Coombs, W. T. (2014). Ongoing crisis communication: Planning, managing, and responding.
Sage Publications.
Emmitt, S. & Gorse C. A., (2009). Construction Communication. John Wiley & Sons.
Halperin, E. (2013). Emotion, emotion regulation, and conflict resolution. Emotion Review.
Higgin, G., & Jessop, N. (2013). Communications in the building industry: the report of a pilot
study. Routledge.
Maoz, I. (2011). Does contact work in protracted asymmetrical conflict? Appraising 20 years of
reconciliation-aimed encounters between Israeli Jews and Palestinians. Journal of Peace
Research. 48(1). 115-125.
Thompson, L. L., Wang, J., & Gunia, B. C. (2010). Negotiation. Annual review of
psychology. 61. pp.491-515.
Volkema, R. J., & Fleck, D. (2012). Understanding propensity to initiate negotiations: An
examination of the effects of culture and personality.International Journal of Conflict
Management. 23(3). pp.266-289.
Wilkowski, B. M., & Meier, B. P. (2010). Bring it on: angry facial expressions potentiate
approach-motivated motor behavior. Journal of personality and social psychology. 98(2).
pp.201.
Online
15

Eisaguirre, L., (2016). Communicating Effectively During Conflict. [Online]. Available
through: <http://www.mediate.com/articles/eisaguirreL3.cfm?nl=155>. [Accessed on 8th
October 2016].
16