Three models of conflict resolution: Effects on intergroup expectancies and attitudes

Gordon Allport (1960) once noted that there are many different approaches t o conflict resolution, but that few empirical studies have been conducted t o examine their effectiveness. This experiment was designed to evaluate the distributive bargaining, integrative bargaining, and interactive problem s olving models of conflict resolution, using intergroup expectancies and att itudes as dependent measures. Jewish and Arab students were paired into mix ed-ethnicity dyads to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian dispute about Jerusal em according to one of the three models. It was hypothesized that dyad memb ers using the interactive problem solving model would become the least pess imistic about the conflict, and would show the greatest positive change in their attitudes toward members of the other ethnic group. The results suppo rt these predictions, and help to make up fbr the paucity of research on th e assessment of conflict resolution strategies.