Question 1

The two major threads emphasized in systemic theory are concepts related to systemic structure and concepts related to ______________________.

Accepted Answer

The two major threads emphasized in systemic theory are systemic structure (e.g. patterns of interaction, rules, hierarchies) and concepts related to communication patterns (e.g. metacommunication, feedback loops, circular causality). While systemic theory may touch on individual behavior, it is not one of the major threads emphasized in the theory. Nor is symmetrical relationships or how the theory came about emphasized in this way.

Question 2

Regarding negative feedback, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Negative feedback refers to processes that maintain stability or homeostasis in a system by counteracting changes, thus indicating no new information or change.

Question 3

Second-order cybernetics refers to applying system principles to the observing system. The therapist can no longer assume to be a neutral, unbiased observer, but is ____________________ in creating what is observed.

Accepted Answer

Second-order cybernetics emphasizes the subjectivity of the observer, and how the observer shapes what is observed. Therefore, the therapist is not a neutral observer, but an active participant in creating what they observe in the therapy session. The therapist is responsible for shaping the system they are observing.

Question 4

Key concepts related to communication patterns in systems are: one cannot "not" communicate, report and command (metacommunication), double binds, epistemology, and _______________________.

Accepted Answer

The key concepts related to communication patterns in systems are listed as one cannot "not" communicate, report and command (metacommunication), double binds, epistemology, and second-order cybernetics. Therefore, the only option that fits the blank is D. Second-order cybernetics is the study of how the observer and the observed are interconnected and how the observer's perspective can influence the system being observed.

Question 5

The philosophical foundation of the various family therapy models typically include:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The philosophical foundation of the various family...

Question 6

All of the following are true of double-bind communication EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Double-bind communication does not typically free the receiver to correct his/her response. Instead, the receiver is often stuck in a no-win situation where they cannot respond in a way that satisfies both messages.

Question 7

Bateson's ideas about epistemology are foundational to systemic family therapies. From his cybernetic investigation, Bateson concluded that most of the propositions humans assume to be true are true.

Accepted Answer

Bateson argued that many assumptions humans make are based on flawed premises and that understanding systems requires recognizing these errors.

Question 8

Each communication has two components - report and command. Which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

The command component refers to the relationship aspect of the message and is primarily nonverbal, indicating how the content should be interpreted.

Question 9

Systemic therapists remain focused on ____________________________.

Accepted Answer

Systemic therapists believe that problem behavior is interconnected with its context, including family and social systems, and therefore focus on understanding and addressing these interconnections rather than assigning blame or labeling individual pathology.

Question 10

The key concepts related to the structure of systems are: homeostasis and self-correction, negative and positive feedback, first and second order change, and _________________.

Accepted Answer

The other options are not directly related to the key concepts of system structure. Symmetrical and complimentary relationships, the therapeutic relationship, and individual well-being and personal growth may be important concepts to consider in the context of family therapy or other forms of psychotherapy, but they are not specifically related to the principles of homeostasis and self-correction, negative and positive feedback, and first and second order change that are critical to understanding systems. Placing blame on individual family members is a dysfunctional perspective that ignores the systemic nature of family dynamics, and is therefore also not relevant to the key concepts related to the structure of systems.

Question 11

All of the following are true of complementary relationships EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Complementary relationships are based on clearly defined roles and responsibilities that balance and complement each other. This often leads to less conflict due to the clarity of these roles. However, these relationships do not necessarily need to be equal in terms of hierarchy, so option C is not true. Option D is true, as rigid or exaggerated roles can lead to problems in complementary relationships.

Question 12

Since all behavior is a form of communication and it is impossible to not be engaged in some form of behavior, it follows that we are always communicating.

Accepted Answer

Since all behavior is a form of communication, even if we are not speaking or intentionally trying to communicate, our actions, body language, and facial expressions are still communicating something to those around us. Therefore, we are always communicating to some extent.

Question 13

Social constructionists meet the challenges of therapy with certain assumptions. The first assumption is that all "truths" and "realities" as constructed. The construction of "realities" takes place on which of these levels?

Accepted Answer

The construction of "realities" takes place on the social level because social constructionists believe that reality is created and maintained through social interactions and processes.

Question 14

The key to maintaining stability or "homeostasis" in the family is the ability to self-correct, which requires feedback.

Accepted Answer

Self-correction requires feedback, which allows the family to adjust and maintain balance. Without feedback, the family may struggle to identify and correct imbalances within the system.

Question 15

Systemic approaches view the family as a system, an entity in itself. This view results in which of the following propositions?

Accepted Answer

Systemic approaches view the family as a system, with individuals and their behaviors being interconnected and influencing each other. Therefore, all behavior makes sense in context, and it is not appropriate to blame a single person for family distress. The interactional patterns are a result of the system as a whole, not just one individual.

Question 16

Second-order change describes when a system restructures its homeostasis in response to positive feedback. An example of second-order change would be:

Accepted Answer

Choice A describes a restructuring of the homeostasis of the couple's relationship, which is driven by positive feedback. The pursuer-distancer pattern is a negative feedback loop that creates a stable but unhealthy equilibrium. By increasing the ability to tolerate more togetherness and distance, the couple is bringing in new information and creating a more adaptive equilibrium, which represents second-order change. Choices B, C, and D do not involve restructuring the homeostasis in response to positive feedback, so they do not represent second-order change.

Question 17

Postmodernists also make assumptions about culture and what it is to be humane. Pick the statement that best describes these assumptions.

Accepted Answer

Postmodernists believe that cultural norms are not inherently humane, but rather they are humane to the extent that they demonstrate reflexivity. This means that cultures should be aware of their own biases and limitations, and be open to critique and change. The adoption of cultural norms can limit those who do not fit into those norms, so postmodernists suggest that cultures should avoid being too rigid in their norms. Additionally, the success of a culture depends on its ability to listen and respond to minority voices.

Question 18

Social constructionism has been the influential in the development of new psychotherapy models such as solution-focused, collaborative, and narrative therapies.

Accepted Answer

Social constructionism emphasizes the importance of language, culture, and social context in shaping individual experiences and identities. This perspective has informed the development of new psychotherapy models such as solution-focused, collaborative, and narrative therapies that focus on co-creating new narratives and possibilities for clients based on their unique social constructions.

Question 19

Systemic and social constructionist theories share all of the following assumptions EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Systemic and social constructionist theories both believe that a person's lived reality is socially constructed, personal identity and symptoms are related to social systems, and truth is determined within relational contexts. However, they do not agree that changing one's language and description of the problem does not alter how it is experienced. In fact, they emphasize the importance of changing language and meaning-making in order to change the experience of the problem.

Question 20

The term "homeostasis" in the case of families means all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Homeostasis in the case of families refers to the ability to maintain stability and balance in the family system through various behavioral, emotional, and interactional norms. Social norms, on the other hand, refer to broader societal expectations and do not necessarily contribute to homeostasis within a specific family unit. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it does not align with the definition of homeostasis in families.

Quiz 4: Philosophical Foundations