Using Tomorrow's Headlines for Today's Training: Creating Pseudo-Reality in Conflict Resolution Simulation-Games

Negotiation Journal, Vol. 21, No. 3, p. 377

29 Pages Posted: 31 Oct 2008 Last revised: 14 Apr 2015

See all articles by Noam Ebner

Noam Ebner

Creighton University Heider College of Business

Yael Efron

Zefat Academic College - School of Law; Mitchell Hamline School of Law; Hebrew University - Faculty of Law; University of Missouri

Date Written: June 31, 2005

Abstract

This article introduces the "pseudo-reality" method of constructing and conducting conflict resolution training workshops. This method focuses on creating a backdrop against which participants engage in negotiation and mediation skill-building, using real-life events and facts - but only to the extent that these events and facts promote the learning process. By creating pseudo-reality, trainers can overcome learning-hampering effects resulting from participants' strong preconceptions or bias on a topic, while at the same time preserving the advantages of working within a familiar, realistic environment. This method is meant to be used when the main goal of a workshop is skill-building rather than imparting substantive knowledge of a conflict. The method is demonstrated by describing its use at a workshop conducted recently in Cyprus, in which the Israeli-Palestinian conflict served as a backdrop for conflict resolution skill-building. Finally, the article provides a model designed to help conflict resolution trainers create pseudo-reality in their own workshop frameworks.

Keywords: Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Israel, Palestine, Israeli-Palestinian, Israel-Palestine, Simulation, Simulation-games, Design, Simulation design, Pseudo-reality, Training, Skills

Suggested Citation

Ebner, Noam and Efron, Yael, Using Tomorrow's Headlines for Today's Training: Creating Pseudo-Reality in Conflict Resolution Simulation-Games (June 31, 2005). Negotiation Journal, Vol. 21, No. 3, p. 377, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1292594

Noam Ebner (Contact Author)

Creighton University Heider College of Business ( email )

2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
United States

Yael Efron

Zefat Academic College - School of Law ( email )

11 Jerusalem St.
Zefat, 13206
Israel

Mitchell Hamline School of Law ( email )

875 Summit Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105-3076
United States

Hebrew University - Faculty of Law ( email )

Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, 91905
Israel

University of Missouri ( email )

307 Hulston Hall
820 Conley Avenue
Columbia, MO 65211
United States

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