Cognitive conflict resolution: mediation analysis and strategies

Mediation provides an important and effective approach to conflict resolution. The desire to view mediation as a science rather than an art has made mediation analysis a rich research arena. Despite the fact that mediation is a widespread and useful element of interpersonal problem solving, there remains no coherent theoretical account of how its benefits may be achieved in general. In this paper, we explore fundamental problems in resolving conflict using mediation. We describe our aims in managing these problems using a cognitive mediation approach. The primary discussion focuses on a theoretical account of cognitive decision-making agents, a two-phase mediation process model, a representation of interpersonal conflict, and a framework for managing dialogue and interactions among agents and with the mediator during the mediation process. We then describe how we are assessing the applicability of this approach within an experimental mediation environment and compare it with other widely used approaches in various conflict settings