Deck 3: Theories About Family Life

Question 1

Symbolic interaction theory and conflict arise from the same assumption-that most adults are unable to symbolically attach to another adult and therefore conflict arises.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Scarce resources is a key idea found in conflict theory.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

When we speak of roles in families we are referring to idea that through the process of equifinality one can become a useful part of a system.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Dr. Roberts is interested in studying health outcomes in families. In his study, he focuses on the reoccurring patterns of interaction, family rules, boundaries, and what are the families' goals and how those goals lead to strategies that promote health. His theoretical perspective is most likely to be:

A) reductionism
B) family systems theory
C) conflict theory
D) social exchange theory

Question 5

If we were to discover a 'spurious' relationship we would expect a relationship which

A) exists between two constructs, but is not an authentic relationship
B) exists between two constructs and we have high confidence that it is a valid relationship.
C) doesn't exist between two constructs, but we wished it did.
D) doesn't exist between two constructs, but researchers just can't find out why it exists.

Question 6

Dr. Schmidt is a family therapist. She uses her knowledge of _______________ to help a
Family understand that they can go beyond the thesis and antithesis in their conversational exchanges to achieve a synthesis.

A) Symbolic interaction theory
B) systems theory
C) conflict theory
D) social exchange theory

Question 7

Amanda just found out she is going to have a baby. While having a baby is a normal and exciting event for most people, Amanda is only 16 and decides to keep her baby. The rest of her life, such as schooling, employment, and relationships, will be changed by the birth of her child. Which concept best fits this story?

A) Epigenesis principle
B) Geodisas principle
C) Cross-generational alliance principle
D) Equilibrium principle

Question 8

Social science theories are:

A) Models representing some type social process
B) Focused on that which we hold to be truth.
C) Mostly lacking a common language
D) Very similar to physical science theories

Question 9

Which statement best reflects symbolic interaction theory?

A) "Struggles between the thesis and antithesis lead to synthesis in the family."
B) "If something is defined as real by a family, then that event is real in its effect."
C) "The choices we make early in life effect who we are and the life we will lead later on."
D) "The sum of the parts is greater than the whole."

Question 10

According to systems theory, boundaries are:

A) Where two or more systems interface, interact, or come together.
B) The borders of the system.
C) Able to be rigid or permeable.
D) All of the above

Question 11

The idea that a skilled observer can detect hidden patterns or undiscovered, unresolved conflicts is related to what theme in a family systems approach?

A) Morphostasis
B) Morphogenesis
C) "Map"
D) Underlying structures

Question 12

"If you'd only had more family vacations, your daughter would not be dating this inactive boy contrary to your counsel to her. She'd be more obedient. Don't you know that the more vacations a family has, the more children adopt their parents' values?" This counsel might work with some families, but more family vacations may lead to a very different outcome in other families. This understanding illustrates what family systems principle?

A) The family as a whole.
B) Boundaries
C) Equifinality

Question 13

One assumption of family systems theory discussed in your text is

A) that things change.
B) all the parts are connected and interrelated.
C) humans innately seek "felt security."

Question 14

The Brown family tries to keep the daily events of life running smoothly and at the same time recreate who they are to meet the changes that occur as people get older and the family alters. This is an example of what two concepts?

A) morphostatis and morphogenesis
B) boundaries and equilibrium

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT one of the three characteristics of goals?

A) Families agree more or less on the goals.
B) Families create strategies to accomplish their goals.
C) Goals are based on how to maximize family rewards and minimize costs.
D) Goals are centered on how much togetherness to have and how much separateness.

Question 16

According to the family systems, inputs into the family system come from what two sources?

A) The family the parents came from and current family members.
B) Current family members and the environment outside the family.
C) The environment outside the family and the family the parents came from.

Question 17

Which of the following is an assumption of family development theory?

A) All the parts are connected and interrelated.
B) Change over time needs to be examined from a number of different levels.
C) Humans innately seek "felt security."

Question 18

Which principle says that what we do in life early on has a significant impact in our lives later on?

A) Anticipating Transitions in Family Life
B) Families can Maximize Resources
C) Epigenesis Occurs in Family Life

Question 19

From a rational choice/social exchange theory perspective, which of the following describe how a functional, healthy family might look?

A) All the children and the adults know that when threatened, they have someone who will be attentive and responsive to their needs.
B) The boundaries between the parental acting as executives and the child(ren) is semi-permeable, such that when appropriate, the children can be part of decision making.
C) The self-interests of each person in the family are being realized, such that being in the family is more rewarding than costly.

Question 20

An assumption of rational choice/social exchange theory is

A) that things change over time with individuals and families.
B) the idea that off-time transitions create difficulties for families.
C) that each of us has the power to use our intellect in making choices.

Question 21

The idea that off-time transitions create difficulties for families is an assumption of which theoretical perspective?

A) rational choice/social exchange theory
B) developmental theory
C) family systems theory
D) attachment theory
E) human ecology theory

Question 22

The idea of "transitions" is a key assumption in which theoretical perspective?

A) rational choice/social exchange theory
B) developmental theory
C) family systems theory
D) attachment theory
E) human ecology theory

Question 23

From a social exchange perspective, individuals are motivated by

A) a mental accounting aimed at maximizing rewards and minimizing costs.
B) innate needs for felt security
C) the cumulative history of their past and the current circumstances

Question 24

Match the following concept with its correct theory. There may be more than one correct response for each item. Some may not be used at all
-Role

A) Conflict theory
B) Systems theory
C) Developmental theory
D) Freudian Theory
E) Rational/Choice theory
F) Functional Theory
E) Symbolic Interaction

Question 25

Match the following concept with its correct theory. There may be more than one correct response for each item. Some may not be used at all
-Scarce Resource

A) Conflict theory
B) Systems theory
C) Developmental theory
D) Freudian Theory
E) Rational/Choice theory
F) Functional Theory
E) Symbolic Interaction

Question 26

Match the following concept with its correct theory. There may be more than one correct response for each item. Some may not be used at all
-Epigenesis

A) Conflict theory
B) Systems theory
C) Developmental theory
D) Freudian Theory
E) Rational/Choice theory
F) Functional Theory
E) Symbolic Interaction

Question 27

Match the following concept with its correct theory. There may be more than one correct response for each item. Some may not be used at all
-Subsystem

A) Conflict theory
B) Systems theory
C) Developmental theory
D) Freudian Theory
E) Rational/Choice theory
F) Functional Theory
E) Symbolic Interaction

Question 28

Match the following concept with its correct theory. There may be more than one correct response for each item. Some may not be used at all
-Anthesis

A) Conflict theory
B) Systems theory
C) Developmental theory
D) Freudian Theory
E) Rational/Choice theory
F) Functional Theory
E) Symbolic Interaction

Question 29

Match the following concept with its correct theory. There may be more than one correct response for each item. Some may not be used at all
-Boundaries

A) Conflict theory
B) Systems theory
C) Developmental theory
D) Freudian Theory
E) Rational/Choice theory
F) Functional Theory
E) Symbolic Interaction

Question 30

Match the following concept with its correct theory. There may be more than one correct response for each item. Some may not be used at all
-Family Goals

A) Conflict theory
B) Systems theory
C) Developmental theory
D) Freudian Theory
E) Rational/Choice theory
F) Functional Theory
E) Symbolic Interaction

Question 31

Match the following concept with its correct theory. There may be more than one correct response for each item. Some may not be used at all
-Symbols

A) Conflict theory
B) Systems theory
C) Developmental theory
D) Freudian Theory
E) Rational/Choice theory
F) Functional Theory
E) Symbolic Interaction

Question 32

Match the following concept with its correct theory. There may be more than one correct response for each item. Some may not be used at all
-Consensus decreases strain

A) Conflict theory
B) Systems theory
C) Developmental theory
D) Freudian Theory
E) Rational/Choice theory
F) Functional Theory
E) Symbolic Interaction

Question 33

What are the key elements of conflict theory? Use a short real-life example to demonstrate your knowledge of those key elements.

Question 34

Are families entities? Describe what this idea entails and give your best reasons for why a family can or can not be an entity.

Question 35

Explain what is meant by equifinality in family life? Provide two clear examples that demonstrate your understanding of this idea and then compare it equipotentiality providing two examples of this idea.

Question 36

What do we mean when we say that consensus decreases strain in family life. What theory does this idea come from and provide an example of how it might work in family life.

Question 37

In a paragraph or two describe why your text author believes that theories are important in understanding family life. Use one of the theories found in your text to bolster your idea by using examples from that theory.