The single‐issue, multiple‐issue debate and the effect of issue number on mediated outcomes

Abstract Within the field of dispute resolution, there are ongoing debates as to whether single‐issue disputes exist outside of theoretical settings. This debate, as represented by the two opposing authors Howard Raiffa and Joseph Stulberg, sets up the theoretical basis for this article. Using data obtained through a field correlation study conducted at a dispute resolution center, this article provides empirical evidence of single‐issue disputes outside of theory and demonstrates that their existence would in fact have a profound effect on the success rate of mediated cases. The article concludes that the recognized existence of single‐issue disputes will aid both practitioners and theorists in better understanding the dispute resolution process.