An analysis of the problem solving process reveals at least three options: (1) finding the cause, (2) solving the problem, and (3) anticipating potential problems. These methods may be illustrated by examining "Oedipus Tyrannus," a play in which a king attempts to deal with a problem that appears to be beyond his ability to solve, and…

Mediation and mediation-arbitration (med-arb) are two forms of third-party conflict intervention that can affect integrative agreements in labor-management negotiation. In an attempt to evaluate the relative value of each of these two methods, 160 volunteers, almost all business students, were randomly placed into a mediation triad, a med-arb…

Outlines a model which describes the processes that a learner goes through in attempting to solve problems, and suggests ways to assist students in reaching a solution when they are confronted by an apparent impasse. (JR)

The purpose of this paper is to report on the role of advocacy in the urban milieu. It explores the following areas: (1) history and current status of advocacy; (2) review of some advocacy efforts; and (3) significance of the Advocate Counseling Model, a legal and therapeutic counseling model to help people to advocate for themselves. It is of…

This publication provides an organizational scheme for a creative problem solving process. The authors indicate that all problems can benefit from the same logical and orderly process now employed to solve many complex problems. The principles remain constant; only specific methods change. Chapter 1 analyzes the development of creativity and fear…

Many educational decisions are made on issues over which conflict occurs because of value differences among the groups involved. The decision-making model proposed here is a political or conflict model. It defines an organization as stable patterns of interactions between coalitions of groups having a collective identity and pursuing interests and…

Full study of small group communication must include consideration of task and socio-emotional dimensions, especially in relation to group problem solving. Thirty small groups were tested for their reactions in various "ad hoc" conflict resolution situations. Instructions to the groups were (1) no problem-solving instructions (control),…

The procedural details of three measures of family problem-solving behavior are presented. These measures are used to code videotapes that are recorded when family members discuss and try to solve a family problem that they consider important. The measures were developed to accompany methods for training parents and their preadolescent and…

This paper summarizes the proceedings of a seminar concerning the mediation of environmental disputes, conducted by the Center for Research in Scientific Communication at the University of Minnesota, Saint Paul. Keynote speaker Gerald Cormick, Director of the Office of Environmental Mediation in Seattle, addressed the problems of the mediator's…

Presents background information on creative and destructive conflict between and among nations, treaty negotiations, political decision making, environmental conflicts, and research and training in conflict resolution. Suggestions for individual and group involvement are presented. (DB)

The author describes a meeting at which he and his students jointly set classroom roles agreeable to everyone. He used the no-lose method of problem solving, posited by Dr. Thomas Gordon, author of Parent Effectiveness Training. The six steps of the method are elucidated. (SJL)

Argues that the case study method of assessing human interactions in organizations provides incomplete information and contains inadequate judgment criteria. Examines epistemological assumptions on which case study or interpretive methodology rests (including cultural analysis of organizations) and recommends an alternative problem-solving model…

Early childhood books that are concerned with peace and that highlight peaceful solutions to difficult problems are described in this bibliographic essay. Books that oppose violence and stories that have a peaceful, soothing nature could become balancing factors in young children's exposure to scenes of violence and threats of war. (RM)

Intended for students from about fourth-grade through high school, the "Road Game" is about competition and cooperation, teamwork and chaos, perception and misperception, and communication and conflict resolution. All information necessary for playing the game is provided. Instructions for playing the game with a cultural bias are also included.…