CCM CCM Mediation Process & Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which phase of the mediation process involves the mediator explaining the ground rules and their role?
- Caucus
- Opening statement / Introduction (Correct answer)
- Closing agreement
- Information exchange
Correct answer: Opening statement / Introduction
The opening statement phase establishes confidentiality, voluntariness, the mediator's neutral role, and procedural ground rules before substantive discussion begins.
Question 2: In mediation, a 'caucus' refers to:
- A joint session where both parties speak simultaneously
- A private meeting between the mediator and one party (Correct answer)
- A binding vote on settlement terms
- A public hearing open to observers
Correct answer: A private meeting between the mediator and one party
A caucus is a confidential private session between the mediator and one party, used to explore sensitive interests, test proposals, or de-escalate emotion without the other party present.
Question 3: What distinguishes mediation from arbitration?
- Mediation is always legally binding; arbitration is not
- The mediator facilitates agreement but does not impose a decision; an arbitrator decides the outcome (Correct answer)
- Mediation is conducted in court; arbitration is private
- Arbitration requires both parties to be represented by attorneys; mediation does not
Correct answer: The mediator facilitates agreement but does not impose a decision; an arbitrator decides the outcome
A mediator is a neutral facilitator who helps parties reach their own voluntary agreement, while an arbitrator acts as a private judge and issues a binding decision.
Question 4: The principle of 'self-determination' in mediation means:
- The mediator determines the outcome based on fairness standards
- Parties retain full autonomy over whether and how to settle (Correct answer)
- Each party may withdraw from mediation at any time without penalty
- The strongest party sets the agenda for discussion
Correct answer: Parties retain full autonomy over whether and how to settle
Self-determination is the cornerstone of mediation ethics—parties, not the mediator, decide whether to settle and on what terms.
Question 5: Which mediator technique involves restating what a party has said in a neutral, condensed form to ensure understanding?
- Reframing
- Paraphrasing (Correct answer)
- Summarizing
- Probing
Correct answer: Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing reflects the speaker's message back in the mediator's own words to confirm understanding and demonstrate active listening.
Question 6: When a mediator 'reframes' a statement, the goal is to:
- Challenge the accuracy of what was said
- Translate a positional or accusatory statement into a needs-based or neutral one (Correct answer)
- Repeat the statement verbatim for clarity
- Document the statement for the written record
Correct answer: Translate a positional or accusatory statement into a needs-based or neutral one
Reframing shifts language from blame or positions ('You always ignore me') to underlying interests ('It sounds like you need to feel heard'), reducing defensiveness and opening dialogue.
CCM CCM Mediation Process & Skills 1
Which phase of the mediation process involves the mediator explaining the ground rules and their role?