Defensive/Cooperative Project

PART I (script) Using Gibb’s model give a verbatim (word for word like a movie script) account of a situation where you got defensive. Before you give the account briefly describe the context.

PART II (2-3 pages) Using Gibb’s labels for defensiveness (from Gibbs categories PDF and reading) show specifically which type you used. Why did you choose this option? Is this your typical response in a conflict? (Reflect on your life) Prove which strategy you used by elimination of all other options. You should refer to specific changes you will make in the rewritten script. You may rewrite your script before doing this or while you are doing this analysis as it should reflect the changes you suggest to yourself.

PART III (rewritten script) Rewrite the conversation in a more positive way. (Use Gibbs Supportive strategies) Speculate on how cooperative behavior on your part could or could not change the conflict. Give a specific example of what you could say. What would be the advantages or disadvantages? In this final section you should reflect on how your identity/face was threatened by this situation.

Things you SHOULD do in this paper- specifically in Part II:

1. Discuss issues of face, face saving and face threats (Identity Conversation).

2. Incorporate some or all of the following from class lectures/discussions:

Symbolic Convergence Theory, reification, nature of conflict, myths of conflict, fundamental attribution error,

errors of attribution, communication options, STLC, the Three Conversations

3. Use specificity in applying the theory or concept to your experience.

4. Prove your case by ruling out other defensive or supportive responses, not just providing reasons why you believe this is an example of the theory or concept. In other words- why is it AND why isn’t it?

5. Be sure to report on your defensiveness not the other person involved- you can’t know their reasons/motives, etc.

6. Section off your paper into the above 3 parts. You will have the original script, then your analysis and then your re-written script.

Things you SHOULD NOT do in this paper- specifically in Part II:

1. Describe at length what the other participant did “wrong.”

2. State that you used or experienced a concept and simply define or describe the concept without also supporting why you are asserting that you used or experienced it. Don’t make me connect the dots as to why it is relevant.

3. Indicate there was no room for improvement– because then you should use another scenario.