OL-7100 v3

Coleman Jr., H., & Carmichael, N. (2018). As a person thinketh: Preparing for mediation substantively, emotionally and attitudinally. Dispute Resolution Journal, 73(2), 1–6.
This reading explores ways in which disputants might set the stage for a more cooperative, and less competitive, mediation experience though mindful, purposeful preparation: substantively, emotionally, and attitudinally.

Smith, S. M. (2019). Implicit bias and the case for testing and redress prior to mediation. Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution, 35(2), 169–192.
This reading focuses on how the neutrality of the mediation process can be impacted through implicit biases, while also sharing the implications and effects implicit biases, from both mediators and parties, can have on the mediation process.

Vlock, D. (2018). Mediation setting: The importance of considering physical environment as a factor for productive mediation. Dispute Resolution Journal, 73(2), 7–13.
This reading focuses on how the proper staging of a mediation’s physical environment, as a form of psychological priming, can influence cognitive reasoning, help mitigate intense emotions, allay power imbalances, lessen implicit biases, and foster a party’s sense of trust for a mediator.

Girolamo, D. D. (2019). The mediation process: Challenges to neutrality and the delivery of procedural justice. Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, 39(4), 834–855.
Ethnographic data suggest that the mediator role transcends that of the neutral third-party intervener described in the literature. Concepts of neutrality and procedural justice are addressed as these two concepts are greatly discussed in the mediation literature and are recognized as core features of the mediation process.