Discuss origins of conflict and/or conflict resolution.

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of origins of conflict and/or conflict resolution.

Origins of conflict may include, but are not limited to:

• competition
• perceived injustice
• misperception.

Relevant factors related to conflict resolution may include, but are not limited to:

• styles of conflict resolution
• co-operation
• negotiation
• conflict management
• reference made to social cognition theory and Subido methodology.

Relevant theories/studies could include, but are not limited to:

• Realistic Group Conflict Theory (RGCT)
• in-group identity model
• dual concern model
• Deutsch’s theory of co-operation and competition
• Sherif’s (1966) field experiment on competition in groups
• Chambers and De Dreu’s (2014) study on egocentrism and misunderstanding
• Sternberg and Dobson’s (1987) study on resolution of interpersonal conflicts
• Sternberg and Soriano’s (1984) study on styles of conflict resolution.

Discussion may include but is not limited to:

• the role of egocentrism
• the effectiveness of the conflict resolution style
• gender considerations
• cultural considerations.

Candidates may consider a small number of origins in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may consider a larger number of origins in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

Most candidates chose to talk about conflict and provided some relevant examples and studies in this regard. The more astute candidates, however, looked at what causes conflict and what can be done to resolve conflicts on a personal and/or collective level. Critical thinking focused primarily on cultural or gender considerations, as well as how effective some conflict resolution attempts have been.