Reference no: EM132189999

Question: Application: Application of Social-Psychological Theories

A theory describes and explains how things happen. It also can predict events. Any theory reflects a particular set of assumptions and perspectives. Theories, because they describe and explain, can lead to greater understanding of a phenomenon. The study of conflict and conflict resolution has been broached by many disciplines, including psychology, communication, business, and political science, to name a few. This course focuses on the study of conflict and its resolution primarily from a social-psychological perspective. Thus, this assignment concentrates on three of the psychological theories that contribute to an understanding of conflict and the elements that can aid or detract from its resolution: psychodynamic theory, attribution theory, and field theory.

To prepare for this assignment:

• Select a current or historic conflict to use for this Application. Keep it in mind as you review the Learning Resources.

• Review pages xxx-xxxvii in the "Introduction" of the course text: The Handbook of Conflict Resolution. Reflect on the history of social psychological theorizing about conflict and the themes in current research in the field.

• Review the book excerpt, "The Inner Experience of Conflict ," from Working Through Conflict. Consider the role and value of theory in understanding and resolving conflict. Also consider how the different theories account for conflict, and the assumptions and constructs associated with each theory. Consider which would best explain your conflict and contribute to its understanding and possible resolution.

• Select one theory to use in this Application (psychodynamic, attribution, field).

Note: As you progress through this course, you will be asked to choose examples of conflict to use in your assignments. Please vary the level of the conflicts that you select (interpersonal, intergroup, community, societal) from assignment to assignment and week to week, so that all are represented equally.

The assignment: (2-3 pages)

• Briefly describe the conflict that you selected, its central issues, and the parties involved.

• Analyze the conflict using the psychological theory that you selected, its constructs, and its assumptions.

• Briefly explain why you selected the theory that you chose.

• Explain how an understanding of psychological theory can lead to a better understanding of conflict and contribute to its resolution.

Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.