| Abstract: | Traditional adjudicative procedures for resolving small claims disputes have been augmented with less formal means of dispute resolution including arbitration and mediation. Exp 1 (74 undergraduates) investigated initial preferences and perceptions of the consequences that are likely to follow adjudication, arbitration, and mediation. Results revealed that Ss preferred mediation over adjudication. Mediation was viewed as having greater interpersonal focus, while adjudication was perceived as more fair and solution focused. Exp 2 (122 undergraduates) examined the impact of 3 dispute characteristics (strength of position, nature of relationship, other party's cooperativeness) on preferences for mode of resolution. Overall, preference was mediated by case strength, with differences in case strength related to perceived differences in the extent to which the various procedures would facilitate a favorable outcome. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
