| Numerous studies have accumulated testing Deutsch's theory of cooperation and conflict resolution since his initial study in 1948. However, it has only recently become possible to test the theory at an integrative level, such that the intricate relationships among a large number of variables can be investigated simultaneously. Through integrative testing, possible intervening processes and/or common causes among effects and outcomes may be explicitly identified. The confirmatory structural modeling approach developed by Joreskog (1973) provides a powerful tool for this type of theory testing. Utilizing an intervention project at an inner city alternative high school undertaken by Deutsch, the present study is designed both to test Deutsch's theory by confirmatory structural modeling and to evaluate the intervention.; Most previous field experiments were focused on cooperative learning. The social psychological consequences of constructive conflict resolution, particularly their implications in education, have rarely been systematically studied in a real school setting. This study indicates that positive changes in interpersonal relations, indicated by constructive conflict resolution, lead to higher academic achievement, and that this effect is mediated by increased internal locus of control.; In general, the results from our theory testing show that constructive conflict resolution, and possibly effective group working, have a positive impact on a student's interpersonal relations which are measured by his/her social support and victimization. Consequently, this impact leads to positive changes in the student's self-esteem, loss of control, mental and physical health, and academic achievement. In addition, some of these social psychological and educational changes may further enhance the student's ability to handle conflicts constructively and to solve problems more effectively when working with his/her group members.; The evaluation study has indicated that when cooperative learning is introduced together with conflict resolution training, students may be able to work most effectively in groups.; Issues regarding multiple structural modelings with a large number of variables in one study are discussed; a number of suggestions are made in the paper. |
