University Wisconsin - La Crosse

Data were collected from survey responses returned to Trempealeau County. The surveys were filled out by individuals who used the Mediation Program Trempealeau County offers. The collected data were analyzed with the use of the SPSS statistical package. The data showed the various attitudes the individuals had toward the mediation process. The attitudes of the individuals who used mediation to settle small claims cases were very positive. Six variables were constructed from the 40 survey responses.

Effectiveness

Survey responses to the question, "how would you rate the effectiveness of the mediation process you experienced?" was very high. The mean score for the question was 4.3, and 25 of the 40 survey responses stated the mediation process was very effective.

Outcome

The average score in response to the question, "how satisfied are you with the outcome of your mediation?" was 3.8, which is quite high. Exactly half of the respondents recorded a 5 in response to the question. Many people were quite satisfied with the outcome of the mediation process.

Timely

The majority of the respondents felt the mediation was conducted in a timely matter. The mean score in response to the question, "how timely do you feel your mediation case was handled?" was 4.3. Over half of the respondents, 24 gave the highest response to the timeliness of the mediation.

Mediator

A mean score of 4.8 shows that individuals were overwhelmingly satisfied with the professionalism of the mediator. The mean score rating the professionalism of the mediator was the highest of all the variables, showing that people were very satisfied with the individuals conducting the mediation.

Listening

Individuals felt the mediator listened quite closely as they explained their position in the case. The mean score was 4.5 in response to the question. "how well would you say your mediator listened to your statements during the meeting?" showing the high satisfaction level people had for the mediators.

Explain

The last question of the survey, "how satisfied are you with the opportunity to explain your position during the mediation?" had a mean score of 4.5 from all the respondents. Again, the individuals were extremely satisfied with the opportunity to present the side of the issue. Twenty-eight of the 40 respondents recorded a 5 in response to the question, showing their extreme satisfaction with the service,

Summary