This study was exploratory in nature and consequently took
a deliberately broad focus. The sample size was small to enable an
in-depth investigation of issues from the perspectives of ‘insiders’.
Therefore, it is not claimed that findings can be generalized and it
is acknowledged that the sample is not representative of all primary
schools; the data reflects existing patterns of conflict and the
perceptions of students and teachers in one Year 4 classroom in one
primary school. However, the findings are consistent with conflict
management literature and on-going informal discussions with
teachers.