Columbia University Lab Studies Conflict Resolution in Difficult Conversations
Columbia University's Difficult Conversations Lab is conducting research to understand why some conflicts remain unresolved. The lab brings together pairs of strangers with opposing views on contentious issues such as abortion and immigration to engage in discussions. The research has revealed that the framing of a topic significantly influences the outcome of conversations. When participants are presented with information as a complex issue rather than a simple pro-vs-con debate, they tend to engage in more nuanced discussions and are more likely to reach a consensus. The study also found that productive conversations are characterized by a wide range of emotions, rather than the absence of negative feelings. 
