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What works in alternative dispute resolution? The impact of third‐party neutral strategies in small claims cases
Author(s) -
Charkoudian Lorig,
Eisenberg Deborah T.,
Walter Jamie L.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
conflict resolution quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.323
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 1541-1508
pISSN - 1536-5581
DOI - 10.1002/crq.21264
Subject(s) - caucus , dispute resolution , term (time) , outcome (game theory) , alternative dispute resolution , third party , psychology , political science , social psychology , law , economics , computer science , microeconomics , physics , internet privacy , quantum mechanics , politics
This research examines “what works” in small claims court alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes. Using a comprehensive quasi‐experimental design that combines real‐time behavioral observation of authentic small claims court ADR sessions with pre‐ and postintervention questionnaires, the study measures the immediate and long‐term impact of various strategies by third‐party neutrals on party attitudes and case outcomes. Eliciting participant solutions had the broadest range of positive impacts. Greater percentage of time spent in caucus was associated with negative outcomes. Reflecting had short‐term positive associations and neutral offering solutions had long‐term negative associations.