They can also resort to self-help which involves using force or aggression to resolve the conflict. And finally, they can ask a third-party to intervene and help them manage their conflict. There are three different kinds and the distinction is based primarily on how much power that third party has. Mediators can help solve a conflict but don't have the power to decide how to resolve it. Their role is to help the party communicate.
Arbitrators have a little more power.
They usually listen to both sides and then decide what should be done. They usually don't have the power to enforce the decision, however. Adjudicators, like judges, listen to both sides and have the power to make a decision and the power to enforce a settlement. Your research also deals with the reasons why people choose the form of conflict management they do. Basically, I focus on how the relationship people have with one another affects how they'll resolve conflicts.