Research

The center is fortunate to be associated with so many researchers that come from many academic disciplines and areas of practice.  Our research agenda is wide and diverse.  Some examples of current research include an examination of the use of arbitration in labor disputes in rural China, the development of state wide cross institutionally based conflict management programs in Ukraine, an examination of the impact of mediation on court systems, a qualitative study on what judges say when introducing plaintiff and defendants to mediation, the systemic implementation of ADR systems in several federal agencies, cross border cooperation in the Middle East relating to water rights, use and preservation, the efficacy (cost/benefit analysis) of partnering on mega-construction projects and many other areas of research endeavor.

The Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution’s focuses on both applied and basic research.  Given the depth of the researchers involved we make use mixed methodologies including quantitative statistical analysis (including modeling, risk assessment, cost-benefit) and qualitative methods.  All research projects are designed around client need and this often includes the use of quasi-experimental methods.  On other occasions we employ more sophisticated techniques including behavior coding in both live and laboratory settings.  When it comes to theoretical testing we have also employed gaming experiments within controlled laboratory simulation settings.