LSA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield LSA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In single-subject design research, what does the 'baseline phase' (A phase) measure? → The client's behavior or condition before the intervention begins
2. When conducting research with vulnerable populations, which ethical principle requires that participants understand and freely agree to participate? → Informed consent
3. In the SOAP format for progress notes, the 'Objective' section should primarily contain: → The social worker's observations of the client's appearance, affect, and behavior.
4. Why is attachment theory important in social work? → It highlights the role of early bonds in later development
5. What does advocacy mean in case management? → Supporting clients’ needs and rights
6. In evidence-based practice, which of the following best describes the primary decision-making framework? → Integrating best available research, clinical expertise, and client values
7. What is the primary purpose of a control group in experimental research? → To provide a baseline for comparison with the treatment group
8. What does systems theory highlight in social work? → It emphasizes how systems impact behavior
9. Which sampling method would provide the most representative sample of all social work clients served by a large agency? → Random sampling
10. When developing a safety plan with a client in a domestic violence situation, which principle is paramount for the social worker to follow? → Collaborating with the client to empower them to make their own choices.
11. Why is documentation important in case management? → To record and track client progress
12. What is crisis intervention? → Emergency support for immediate issues
13. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of the Strengths-Based Perspective in social work? → Every individual, group, and community has strengths.
14. Which of the following best describes 'triangulation' in qualitative research? → Using multiple data sources, methods, or perspectives to strengthen research conclusions
15. What is the importance of cultural competence in legal responsibilities? → To ensure appropriate and respectful practice
16. What is the role of behavior modification in social work? → To reinforce and alter behaviors through interventions
17. What is a referral in case management? → An introduction to another service or professional
18. Which of the following best defines 'reliability' in research measurement? → The consistency of a measure across repeated administrations
19. A meta-analysis differs from a systematic review primarily in that it: → Statistically combines results from multiple studies to produce an overall effect size
20. What is the purpose of social work supervision? → To provide guidance and professional development
21. A social worker is obligated by the NASW Code of Ethics to maintain professional boundaries. Which of the following is an example of a boundary violation? → Engaging in a business venture with a current client.
22. When a researcher reports a statistically significant finding (p < 0.05), this means: → There is less than a 5% probability that the result occurred by chance
23. The ethical principle of 'Competence' requires a social worker to: → Practice only within their areas of expertise and continually develop their skills.
24. What is the purpose of follow-up in case management? → To monitor client progress and adjust services
25. What does the NASW Code of Ethics emphasize? → Respecting client confidentiality and dignity
26. What is the significance of informed consent in social work? → To ensure clients are fully informed about services and their rights
27. What is the purpose of professional boundaries in social work? → To maintain ethical standards and protect both clients and workers
28. What is the significance of understanding cultural competence in social work? → To ensure respectful and effective service delivery
29. What does the term 'person-in-environment' refer to in social work? → Examining the environment's impact on the individual
30. A social work agency wants to determine whether its new parenting support program is achieving its stated goals. Which type of evaluation should be conducted? → Program outcome evaluation