COMM 450 CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND
NEGOTIATION MIDTERM EXAM 2026
LATEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS| ACE
YOUR GRADES.
1. Chapter 1-Conflict-definition- 5 requirements - correct answer -
Chapter 1-definition-1-expressed struggle between at least 5-
two interdependent parties 2-who perceive incompatible goals,
3-scarce resources, and 4-interference from others in achieving
their goals
2. Chapter 1-Intrapersonal Conflict-definition - correct answer -
Chapter 1-definition-internal strain that creates a state of
ambivalence
3. Chapter 1-Interpersonal conflict-definition - correct answer -
Chapter 1-definition-conflict between two people
4. Chapter 1-Interdependence-definition - correct answer -
Chapter 1-definition-Dependent on each other.
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5. Chapter 1-Defensive climates-requirements - correct answer -
Chapter 1-definition-evaluation vs description, control vs
problem solving, strategy vs spontaneity, neutrality vs empathy,
superiority vs equality, certainty vs provisionalism
6. Chapter 1-Stonewalling-definition - correct answer -Chapter 1-
definition-physically display not listening, try to conceal what
they are thinking/feeling. Men do this more. It is more than
avoiding conflict.
7. Four Horseman of the Apocalypse - correct answer -Criticism,
Contempt, Defensiveness, Stonewalling. Brother Bean
comments- If one of these horseman comes into the
relationship that should be a red flag. Men use stonewalling
more versus women using criticism more.
8. Contempt- Gottman's definition - correct answer -Gottman
definition-Stating the problem in the relationship as the defect
in the partner
9. Defensiveness- Gottman's definition - correct answer -Gottman
definition-any way of warding off the attack. Master accepts this
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and asks questions whereas Disasters try to counter/whine
when criticized.
10. Stonewalling- Gottman's definition - correct answer -Gottman
definition-Withdraws from conversation and simply
nodding/agreeing. It is attempting to calm oneself down and not
make interaction worse.
11. Which Horseman is the best predictor of divorce? - correct
answer -Contempt is the best predictor of divorce because it is
a contagious disease and you see yourself as superior.
12. Gottman's Three levels of building a sound relational house?
- correct answer -First Level- build love maps meaning you
understand your partner's thought process. You remember
your partner's answers to questions such as "what is your
mission in life". Second Level- building fondness and
admiration. Looking for what's right in the relationship not what
you are doing wrong/mistakes.
13. Third Level- Turning towards each other. Physically turning
towards
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14. Gottman suggests that conflict in relationships can be very
beneficial, why? - correct answer -Gottman Answer-Conflict
can really be a way for couples to become closer & also serves
as a mechanism to learn to love your spouse or partner why
15. What is the litmus test for positive relationships - correct
answer -Gottman Answer- Litmus test is your perspective.
Negative/Positive
16. conflict is not about the topic but rather? - correct answer -
Gottman Answer- Conflict is about the meaning of each
person's position. The existential meaning and position.
Finances is one conflict topi that isn't actually about finances
but what money means to that person.
17. What was the lesson Gottman is trying to teach in his
reference to the movie "Don Juan de Marco" - correct answer -
Gottman Answer- Ask your partner what are your dreams, what
do you hope for, what do you wish for. He wants you to ask
these questions to your partner.