BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Social Work 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which value is considered the cornerstone of the social work profession in the United States?
- Human dignity and worth (Correct answer)
- Economic efficiency
- Political neutrality
- Cultural assimilation
Correct answer: Human dignity and worth
The NASW Code of Ethics identifies the inherent dignity and worth of every person as the foundational value of social work.
Question 2: What is the primary goal of the ecological systems perspective (ecosystems theory) in social work?
- Understanding the person within their environment (Correct answer)
- Diagnosing mental illness
- Prioritizing biological factors over social factors
- Focusing solely on individual behavior change
Correct answer: Understanding the person within their environment
Ecosystems theory, developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner and adapted for social work, emphasizes understanding clients by examining the interaction between individuals and their multiple environmental systems.
Question 3: Which federal legislation significantly shaped child welfare practice in the United States by emphasizing family preservation?
- Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (Correct answer)
- Social Security Act of 1935
- Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Correct answer: Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980
The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 required states to make 'reasonable efforts' to preserve families before placing children in foster care.
Question 4: In social work practice, 'empowerment' refers to:
- Helping clients gain control over their own lives and resources (Correct answer)
- The social worker making decisions on behalf of clients
- Providing financial assistance to clients
- Mandating compliance with treatment plans
Correct answer: Helping clients gain control over their own lives and resources
Empowerment in social work means strengthening clients' capacity to identify their needs, access resources, and exercise self-determination.
Question 5: The biopsychosocial model used in social work assessment considers:
- Biological, psychological, and social factors together (Correct answer)
- Only medical diagnoses
- Only psychological disorders
- Cultural and spiritual factors exclusively
Correct answer: Biological, psychological, and social factors together
The biopsychosocial model provides a holistic framework that integrates biological health, mental/emotional functioning, and social environment when assessing client needs.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'mandated reporting' obligations in U.S. social work?
- Social workers are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect (Correct answer)
- Social workers must report all client disclosures to supervisors
- Social workers are required to report undocumented clients to authorities
- Social workers must file police reports for all criminal activity disclosed by clients
Correct answer: Social workers are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect
All U.S. states have mandated reporter laws requiring social workers and other professionals to report reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect to child protective services.
BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Social Work 1
Which value is considered the cornerstone of the social work profession in the United States?