Conclusion
William Perry (1963) remarked that we often dismiss ideas as “bull” but seldom as “cow.” He went on to define “cow” as facts without relevance. “Bull,” on the other hand, is relevance without facts or opinion without evidence.
Student papers consisting of cow invariably earn “C” grades, while bull earns either an “F” or an “A” depending on whether it is or is not detected.Much the same can be said for many of our theoretical ruminations about human conflict. Advances in knowledge require solving the problem of what to study that make the results relevant but also the need for objective criteria to assist everyone in judging the resulting theories (Chapter 1). So, let us continue our research, but let us also search out an appropriate context in which to interpret the results. Then, and only then, will theory fulfill its promise as a powerful tool for understanding and managing conflict.