ARTICLE REVIEW

Article review: Conflict Resolution

“The Effects of the Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation Training Program on Self-Esteem and Conflict Resolution Skills”

This article was written by Naciye and Hatice after they carried out an investigation on the impact of the programs of conflict resolution on seventh graders in 2014. This article was chosen to meet the requirements of this assignment that needed an article that discussed conflict resolution. Naciye, who is a psychology expert in Nene Hatun Primary school, and his colleague, Dr. Hatice, who is a professor at Mayis University in the faculty of educations, were experienced in this study, thus producing a credible work. According to their findings, the program was essential for improving the students’ self-esteem, as well as their conflict resolution skills (Kasik & Kumcagiz, 2014). However, the article fails to look into literature that contradicts their findings as well as recommend what future researchers should tackle, which has not been addressed regarding this topic. Nevertheless, the article has made a convincing case regarding conflict resolution programs by supporting the ideas presented therein with experiment findings and previous literature about the topic.

The study was organized in a chronological manner, which is essential for readers to follow and understand the content. The researchers used an abundant literature to support their arguments and included references amounting to thirty-seven works previously done in relation to their topic. Additionally, they used current sources of the borrowed literature, which was all dated from the year 2000 onwards. That was essential for providing current information on the issue of discussion. Their study did not only present their findings but also presented their recommendations about the issues of conflict resolution and self-esteem in the young people in schools. This study shows similar results on the benefits of such programs in schools as that of Lincoln (2000), which stresses the importance of community college programs in building peace. Furthermore, the authors have used figures and diagrams to illustrate further their content and provide a more convincing argument about conflict resolution.

The authors made a convincing case because the quality of their description is reliable as they have supported all their argument with both primary and secondary sources on matters of conflict resolution. The main interest of the authors was to test the impact of conflict resolution programs in school students and present the findings alongside with other supporting ideas from other authors. The connection between the content of this article and what we have learned in class is that they both present similar information on the benefits of these programs in boosting self-esteem and conflict resolutions of students.

This article was very clear in presenting the authors' arguments, and it made it easy for the reader to understand the arguments and conduct further reading from the sources provided. However, the authors failed to recommend further research topics that would build on the issues of conflict resolution in primary schools. The article conveyed the intended information adequately, which makes it reliable for readers interested in this topic. I would recommend it to students, instructors as well as school administrations, so they would consider having these programs in their schools to help boost the student's self-esteem as well as their capabilities to resolve conflicts. I would also recommend it to school sponsors and the government, so they can help schools in funding these programs, which are essential for peace building and increasing the confidence of the students.

References

Kasik, N. C., & Kumcagiz, H. (2014). The Effects of the Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation Training Program on Self-Esteem and Conflict Resolution Skills. International Journal of Academic Research, 6(1).

Lincoln M. G. (2000). Conflict resolution: A solution for peace through community college programs. Doctoral Dissertation. George Mason University, Virginia.