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ASWB MSW Exam Questions
Page 4 of 50
61.
A social worker is meeting for the first time with a 17-year-old girl and her mother. It is immediately apparent that the teenager is extremely angry with her mother for bringing her to family therapy.
What should the social worker do FIRST?
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Acknowledge the teenager's feelings of anger toward her mother
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Ignore the teenager's attitude and gather information for the biopsychosocial assessment
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Ask the mother why she believes her daughter is so angry
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Suggest meeting with the teenager alone
Correct answer: Acknowledge the teenager's feelings of anger toward her mother
By acknowledging that the teenager is feeling very angry — particularly towards her mother — the social worker shows that they are attentive to the teenager's emotions. The social worker is also hoping to build therapeutic rapport with the teenager and establish trust within the therapeutic relationship. Acknowledging the teenager's anger is an important part of the engagement process, which is essential for planning effective interventions.
The social worker should not ignore the teenager's feelings, as this would not help to establish a positive relationship with the teenager.
The social worker might ask the mother why she believes her daughter is angry but should first acknowledge the teenager's feelings.
The social worker does not need to meet with the teenager alone, as the family has come to the social worker for family therapy, and it is a good opportunity for the teenager to discuss her feelings openly in front of her mother and the social worker.
62.
In SOAP treatment planning, what does the O stand for?
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Objective
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Observation
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Ongoing
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Opportunity
Correct answer: Objective
In SOAP treatment planning, the O stands for Objective or the more scientific and data-based informational elements of the case.
The other items listed are not part of this kind of treatment planning.
63.
As a substance abuse counselor, Steven practices a harm reduction model of treatment. Which of the following would you MOST expect to hear Steven say as a statement of his treatment orientation?
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"I am not requiring strict abstinence from substances."
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"I am requiring strict abstinence from substances."
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"I want to maximize the functioning of my patients."
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"I am attempting to prevent relapse in my patients."
Correct answer: "I am not requiring strict abstinence from substances."
The harm reduction model of substance abuse treatment seeks to reduce the general consequences of substance abuse, and while it does attempt to minimize use, its focus is on management rather than total abstinence.
There are other schools of substance abuse treatment characterized by strict abstinence or maximizing functionality while in recovery. Most substance abuse models recognize relapse as part of recovery.
64.
You are a school social worker. You notice a student who arrives at school earlier and stays later than most other students. This student at times appears to get detention on purpose.
What conclusion might you draw about this child?
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The child could have a problem at home and therefore avoids going home
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The child often gets into fights with other children
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The child has an undiagnosed learning disability
Correct answer: The child could have a problem at home and therefore avoids going home
All of the behaviors listed in this question point to possible problems at home. Children who are being abused in the home may tend to avoid spending time at home and may be overly vigilant or overly compliant.
The remaining answer options are incorrect. There is nothing in the question that indicates the child gets into fights with other students or has a learning disability.
65.
According to which of the following theorists is learning viewed as a person's attempt to reach their full potential?
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Maslow
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Piaget
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Skinner
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Bandura
Correct answer: Maslow
According to the work of Abraham Maslow, a person is striving to reach their full potential, and this drives learning as well as most of the rest of personal psychology.
The other theorists listed do not match this theoretical orientation about learning.
66.
Which of the following is NOT an example of social workers' ethical responsibilities to the broader society?
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Public demonstrations
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Social welfare
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Public participation
Correct answer: Public demonstrations
Public demonstrations are not examples of social workers' ethical responsibilities to the broader society; however, it could be a subcategory of social and political action, as they work to change/protect policies that affect those in society who most need help.
Social welfare and public participation are both examples of social workers' ethical responsibilities to the broader society.
67.
Which therapy has the unique characteristic of focusing on solutions for the client, rather than the client's problems?
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Solution-focused therapy
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Interpersonal therapy
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Narrative therapy
Correct answer: Solution-focused therapy
Solution-focused therapy has the unique characteristic of focusing on solutions for the client, rather than the client's problems. It focuses on the client's future, goals, and solutions, not the client's problems that actually caused them to seek therapy.
Interpersonal therapy addresses a client's interpersonal issues in order to treat depression. Narrative therapy encourages clients to tell their life story.
68.
Which of the following refers to the "extra" feelings a care provider brings to the helping relationship?
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Countertransference
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Transference
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Parallel process
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Somatization
Correct answer: Countertransference
Countertransference refers to the "extra" feelings that a care provider can bring to a therapeutic relationship, such as affection or irritation. Transference is the set of additional feelings that a client can bring to the same relationship.
Parallel process refers to unconscious identification with a client's issues. Somatization is the general term for the bodily exhibition of vague or unfounded medical complaints rooted in mental process.
69.
Which one of the following is the focus of the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare act of 1980?
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Family preservation
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Discrimination in adoption practices
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Consistency in adoption practices
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Adoption practices in homes experiencing poverty
Correct answer: Family preservation
The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare act of 1980 focuses on efforts to preserve families by trying to keep children out of foster care or alternative placements. Reasonable effort must be made to keep families together if at all possible.
This legislation does not explicitly address discrimination or consistency in adoption practices, nor does it explicitly address adoption practices in homes experiencing poverty.
70.
Which of the following types of responses indicates that the social workers is listening attentively and encourages the client to verbalize?
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Furthering
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Paraphrasing
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Open-ended responses
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Focusing
Correct answer: Furthering
There are many specific skills that social workers can use in order to maintain psychological contact with clients. Furthering responses, which indicate the social workers is listening attentively and encourages the client to verbalize, include both minimal prompts and accent responses.
The remaining answers are incorrect although they are ways social workers maintain psychological contact with clients. Paraphrasing is the process of using different words to restate the client's message. Open-ended responses invite expanded expression and give the client freedom to express what seems and feels most important to them. Focusing is a tactic used by social workers to help clients explore specific topics and remain on those topics.
71.
Though we should not make stereotypes or assumptions, some characteristics are recognized as being more prevalent than others in certain groups. Among which group is spirituality viewed as being a private affair, but mainly Protestant and Bible-based?
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White American
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American Indian/Alaskan Native
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Asian
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African American
Correct answer: White American
Generally speaking, white American spirituality is seen as mostly Protestant, mostly private, and based on the Bible.
The other groups listed are seen as having different approaches to spirituality.
72.
How is assent different from consent?
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Assent is not legal approval
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Consent is not legal approval
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Assent is decided by a court
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Consent indicates willingness to participate
Correct answer: Assent is not legal approval
In terms of ethics, a client's consent is said to be gained either by the client or on behalf of the client if they are a minor or are otherwise deemed unable to manage their own consent. In cases where this is true, assent means that the person has indicated willingness to participate. Assent is not a matter of legal approval, but an indication made by the person that they are willing.
Consent is legal approval, either by oneself or on behalf of someone else. Assent is not decided by a court, and indicates willingness to participate when consent might not.
73.
Which of the following is NOT true about the ground rules of group therapy?
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Confidentiality must be guaranteed
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Problems should be referred to the group first for potential solutions
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The group is the agent of change
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Individuals are the focus of any group
Correct answer: Confidentiality must be guaranteed
In group work, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed due to the fact that groups contain several individuals who are not in a role where they are officially bound by laws regarding privacy. However, the group should be encouraged to observe confidentiality.
Groups serve a function of organization for the individuals involved, and therefore any potential problems should be referred to the group for potential solutions first. The group's purpose is to act as the agent of change on behalf of individuals, who are the focus of the group's efforts.
74.
Which of the following is a good example of institutional discrimination?
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A bank not hiring elderly people because they are elderly
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A real estate company treating a Latin American family differently
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A community organization refusing to host an event for a gay couple
Correct answer: A bank not hiring elderly people because they are elderly
Institutional discrimination takes place when a whole class of people is treated differently based on certain characteristics, such as elderly people not being hired by a financial institution.
A real estate company treating a Latin American family differently and a community organization refusing to host an event for a gay couple would be better examples of individual discrimination unless it could be demonstrated that all people of that class were being discriminated against.
75.
Matthew is conducting statistical hypothesis testing in which he detects a result that is not actually present. Which type of statistical research error does this BEST describe?
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Type I error
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Type II error
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Type III error
Correct answer: Type I error
A type I statistical research error is an invalid rejection of a null hypothesis that is true, or, simply put, the detection of a false positive. This means that the null hypothesis has been rejected when it is actually true. Real-life examples of false positives include a positive COVID test when the individual does not have COVID or a positive pregnancy test when the individual is not actually pregnant.
A type II error occurs when one fails to detect an effect that is actually present. This is also known as a false negative and results in a null hypothesis being accepted when it should not be. Real-life examples of false negatives include testing negative for COVID when one does have COVID or testing negative on a pregnancy test when one is actually pregnant.
There is no type III error in statistical hypothesis testing.
76.
When might a social worker use self-disclosure during a therapy session?
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To emphasize a point at a critical time during a session
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It is never acceptable to engage in self-disclosure
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At the beginning of therapy to make the client feel more comfortable
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During the termination phase or after the social worker-client relationship is over
Correct answer: To emphasize a point at a critical time during a session
Self-disclosure can be a sensitive topic among social workers. Most social workers believe that self-disclosure is not necessary most of the time, as sessions should remain focused on the client and not the social worker. However, there are times when self-disclosure is helpful in emphasizing a point during a session or connecting with clients to help them feel understood. For example, a social worker meeting with a overwhelmed mother of small children might comment, "I remember when I was also raising young children, and it felt as if there was never enough time to do anything."
As stated above, there are a few times when it is acceptable to engage in self-disclosure. Self-disclosure should not be used only to make the client feel more comfortable, and it is probably not wise to use it at the beginning of therapy before the social worker has a chance to assess the client fully. Self-disclosure could be used during the termination phase if necessary or helpful, but social workers should not have extended contact with clients after the social worker-client relationship is over.
77.
Diana has a long history of substance abuse. After much hesitation, she sought out therapy, and in the course of treatment decided to implement some permanent change in her life. Diana recently graduated from substance abuse treatment, but last weekend she used again. Though she is confident this is was a one-time setback, she does have feelings of regret and shame.
Diana is in which stage of change?
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Relapse
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Precontemplation
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Contemplation
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Maintenance
Correct answer: Relapse
The main point about the Relapse stage is that the feelings about use are almost more important than the use itself. Even if the use is a one-time action, the feelings of remorse and shame may push progress backward.
The stages of change go through six steps. First, there is Precontemplation, where there is a denial of issues or problems. With the next step, Contemplation, there is an awareness and an inner conflict that begins the real change process. Preparation follows, where information is gathered, and small changes are made. Action is the more direct stage that is next, where specific and concrete action toward a goal is accomplished. With Maintenance, there is an effort to hold on to one's gains, and finally, Relapse is possible, which may push the process stages earlier or stop it altogether.
78.
What theory can explain why clients' crises are related to problematic reinforcement patterns in their lives?
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Behavioral theory
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Cognitive theory
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Psychodynamic theory
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Narrative theory
Correct answer: Behavioral theory
Behavioral theory tries to explain human behavior by looking at a person's learned associations that they have acquired through past experience. Behavioral theory is a fundamental theory in social work.
Cognitive theory explains human behavior by looking at an individual's thought process. Psychodynamic theory explains human behavior in terms of conscious and unconscious desires. Narrative theory explains human behavior in terms of a story, or how individuals arrange their lives based on story lines in order to give their lives meaning.
79.
When an adult client presents for social work services, and you are concerned that they have cognitive delays that may prevent them from giving consent, what should you do FIRST?
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Determine whether legal proceedings have found they are not competent to consent
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Assume they cannot consent, and seek someone to consent on their behalf
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Proceed with informed consent if the client is willing
Correct answer: Determine whether legal proceedings have found they are not competent to consent
Everyone aged 18 and older is assumed to be able to provide consent, unless legal proceedings suggest otherwise. So, the first thing you need to do is determine whether legal proceedings have determined the client does not have the capacity to consent. If the client legally lacks the ability to consent, you can then seek someone to consent on their behalf.
You should not automatically assume the client cannot consent, since they are an adult. You must first determine if legal proceedings have deemed them incompetent to consent.
Finally, proceeding with informed consent if the client is willing is not the first thing you should do. You should first determine whether they are incompetent to consent, via a legal proceeding. If so, you need to proceed with finding someone to consent on their behalf in order to protect the client's interests. If there are no legal proceedings, you can proceed with obtaining informed consent, ensuring you are informing the client in a way they can understand.
80.
Which form of feminist theory argues that gender is a social construct used to create power imbalances between men and women?
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Radical feminism
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Liberal feminism
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Socialist feminism
Correct answer: Radical feminism
Radical feminism is the idea that gender roles are completely socially constructed, and are used to give men more power than women. Radical feminists believe that erasing gender roles is necessary in order to end the systematic oppression and exploitation of women.
Liberal feminists believe men and women share a common human nature despite their outward differences. Socialist feminists believe human nature is socially constructed through the interaction of capitalism and patriarchy.