Introduction
Admittedly, conflict resolution theory and practice have become topical issues at present. It is important to develop effective strategies and methods to implement research on conflict resolutions initiatives (CRIs). In the first place, it is essential to point out peculiarities of the on-going research (what strategies and methods are being used, how effective they are). It is also important to note major difficulties in implementing research. Of course, theoretical data should be supported with certain real life examples.
A framework for considering research
Deutsch and Goldman (2006) outline several types of research. They also comment upon the most appropriate instances of using this or that type of research. Interestingly, the researchers analyse types of audience. For instance, Deutsch and Goldman (2006) consider such research users as funding agencies, administrators, CR practitioners and researchers. Notably, each group of users have certain objectives which often differ greatly.
For instance, funding agencies are more concerned with the effectiveness of the programs whereas practitioners are more interested in the methods used. Deutsch and Goldman (2006) outline some research strategies and difficulties that researchers can face. They focus on the following strategies: experimental research, casual modelling, survey research, experience surveys, learning by analogy.
The researchers comment upon advantages and shortcomings of each strategy. Deutsch and Goldman (2006) support the theoretical data with particular examples which are very illustrative. For instance, they depict particular research based on the process evaluation approach. The work of CRIs was evaluated.
Difficulties and challenges existing in the field
Notably, Pruitt (2006) focuses on difficulties in the study of conflict resolution. The researcher stresses that it is difficult to cover all difficulties within a single chapter, so he considers the most widespread difficulties providing several testable hypotheses. Pruitt (2006) analyses origins of conflict.
He claims that the central source of conflict is divergence of needs of the parties involved. The researcher depicts the process of conflict escalation. He also notes the main reasons for this escalation. Pruitt (2006) concentrates on several approaches to mediation. He also reviews some innovative approaches. Finally, the researcher provides several hypotheses which can be applicable in practice.
Concluding overview
Interestingly, in the concluding overview, Coleman and Marcus (2006) outline the major challenges existing in the study. It is important to note that the researchers start their overview with an anecdote. The provided instance proves that there are far too many issues to be address in the study.
The researchers comment upon such challenges as conflict in situations when oppression is a norm, difficulties in creating readiness, developing skills to act as a change agent, taking into account social context, eliminating conflicts within the field, difficulties in learning, and encouraging innovation. Coleman and Marcus (2006) provide their suggestions to address each of these difficulties. Admittedly, this overview can help researchers to outline possible difficulties which may occur. This will help to be ready to address various issues.
Conclusion
To sum up, the researchers overview major approaches used in the study of conflict resolution. They also comment upon difficulties and challenges that exist in the field. More importantly, the researchers do not simply summarize certain challenges. They provide particular strategies to address most topical issues in conflict resolution theory and practice. The real life examples provided help to understand the way the theory actually works in real life settings.
Reference List
Coleman, P.T., & Marcus, E.C. (2006). Concluding Overview. In M. Deutsch, P. Coleman, & E. Marcus, The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (pp. 869-881). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.
Deutsch, M., & Goldman, J. (2006). A Framework for Thinking about Research on Conflict Initiatives. In M. Deutsch, P. Coleman, & E. Marcus, The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (pp. 825-849). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.
Pruitt, D.G. (2006). Some Research Frontiers in the Study of Conflict and Its Resolution. In M. Deutsch, P. Coleman, & E. Marcus, The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (pp. 849-869). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.