Reference no: EM132254113

Question: Answer the following questions in short essay format and comment on other students' answers.

For this week's discussion board, each student will post a theory of how conflict arises. Your initial post will include at least the following:

• Definition of the theory

• Description of its practical applications

• Description of its limitations

• Description of its explanatory power

Each student must submit a theory that has not been posted. This means you must monitor all discussion boards and not duplicate a theory.

The theories can come from the course text or from any empirical source. Non-empirical or non-peer reviewed references will not be accepted.

Please post your theory to the appropriate topic category within the discussion board:

• Topic 1: Interpersonal Conflict

• Topic 2: Group Dynamics

• Topic 3: Systemic Issues or Macro Conflict Issues (i.e., organizational structure, cross culture conflict, conflict caused by imperialism, power on a macro scale, etc.)

This is a conflict resolution course, and we are going to use this opportunity to engage in constructive conflict. The concern is not the resolution, but the process. You are required to post a minimum of two substantial response posts. The substantial posts must include the following:

1. A direct challenge to a peer's initial post. The challenge can consist of:

• Explaining why the theory is weak and heavily limited

• Demonstrate that there is a better theory out there in the literature to explain the same phenomenon

• Illustrate how the theory does not apply in the real world

• Get creative in your challenges

1. Empirical support and justification

• Do not simply say a post is bad. Articulate why it is bad or why the theory is not a good theory

• Even if you agree with the theory, play devil's advocate and argue the other side!

1. Provide an alternative solution

• Describe an alternative solution to explain the social phenomenon

• Class, this is the beauty of a theory! As long as you accurately describe what the theory is and explain it... I will be grading you on your ability to justify your arguments with empirical support

Post your answer(s) to the prompt

• Post to Week 1 discussion board within any of the three topics

• Your initial post must have a minimum of 250 words of substance in the body of the post (which does not include the question or the references)

• Empirical references are needed to achieve an "A"

Post your peer responses

• Your substantial reply must be a minimum of 250 words (not including the question or the references)

• Empirical support is needed for an "A"

Additional information

1. Your posts should be "of substance" and at least two paragraphs that address the topic

• Your initial post must have a minimum of 250 words of substance in the body of the post

• The written question and reference list are not included in the word count

2. Use APA format for any quotations or citations you use to support your answer