Question 1

As opposed to health work and counseling, systems perspectives focus on ______.

Accepted Answer

Systems perspectives focus on the connections between families, resources of families and groups, and their effective functioning, rather than solely on individual therapy or the role of families in the health or well-being of an individual.

Question 2

The use of general or ecological systems theory is virtually universal in the US.

Accepted Answer

Ecological systems theory is widely used in fields like psychology and social work, but it is not universally applied across all disciplines or contexts in the US.

Question 3

One problem with the multifactorial explanations of systems ideas is:

Accepted Answer

The complexity inherent in multifactorial explanations of systems ideas makes it difficult to derive clear, straightforward prescriptions for action. This complexity can obscure the pathways to intervention and make it challenging to identify effective solutions.

Question 4

Complex adaptive systems:

Accepted Answer

Complex adaptive systems are indeed ideas that can be used to explore artificial intelligence, they contain complexity with patterns that help understand their workings, and they refer to large systems composed of many smaller component parts.

Question 5

Jan lives at a retirement home. She enjoys living there because she is able to socialize with others and participate in many activities. The workers at the home allow her to make most decisions concerning her daily routine, but will intervene if they feel that her safety is in jeopardy. What type of system is this?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Jan lives at a retirement home. She...

Question 6

Systems theory has been relatively successful because it accepts and analyzes existing social orders. It also allows for the incorporation of aspects from other theories. This is in opposition to __________ that analyzes social orders and rejects them.

Accepted Answer

Radical theory is known for its critical analysis of social orders and structures, often rejecting them in favor of proposing fundamental changes or critiques of society. This contrasts with systems theory, which is more about understanding and integrating various aspects of social systems without necessarily rejecting them outright.

Question 7

Forms of systems theory that are distinguished in social work:

Accepted Answer

General systems theory and ecological systems theory are both forms of systems theory distinguished in social work. General systems theory provides a framework for understanding complex systems and their interactions, while ecological systems theory focuses on individuals within their environmental contexts, emphasizing the dynamic interactions between individuals and their various systems (e.g., family, community).

Question 8

Systems theory was an aspect of the reaction against psychodynamic theory in the 1970s.

Accepted Answer

Systems theory emerged as a reaction against the reductionist views of psychodynamic theories, emphasizing the importance of understanding individuals within their broader social contexts.

Question 9

The ideas of systems theory:

Accepted Answer

Systems theory aligns with structured organizations and agencies that operate within the state's framework, utilizing authority and power to manage and influence systems effectively.

Question 10

Systems theory:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Systems theory:
...

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the structure of systems is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

In systems theory, energy and information are typically exchanged more within the boundaries of a system rather than outside of it, making statement D false.

Question 12

The ability to maintain its fundamental nature even though changes are made by input describes which characteristic of a system?

Accepted Answer

Homeostasis refers to a system's ability to regulate its internal environment and maintain a stable, constant condition of properties like temperature or pH, despite external changes. This concept is often applied beyond its biological origins to describe how systems, in general, maintain stability or equilibrium in response to changes.

Question 13

The idea that the whole is more than the sum of its parts is called ___________

Accepted Answer

Non-summativity is the concept that suggests the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, often used in systems theory and psychology to describe how an organized system (like a family, team, or organism) exhibits properties and behaviors that its individual components do not.

Question 14

Social systems possess ____________, which means that when one part of the system changes, the change tends to affect all of the other parts and in turn they change.

Accepted Answer

Reciprocity in social systems refers to the mutual influence and interdependence of parts, meaning a change in one part affects others, leading to further changes.

Question 15

Identifying _____________ in behavior is beneficial because workers can learn to apply them to other systems.

Accepted Answer

Identifying patterns in behavior allows for the application of learned behaviors to other systems, as patterns provide a structured understanding that can be generalized or adapted to different contexts.

Question 16

In the 1970s, systems theory was developed as a reaction against ____________. People felt that systems theory had the sociological aspect that social work needed, whereas __________ did not compensate for this.

Accepted Answer

Systems theory was developed as a reaction against psychodynamic theory, which was seen as lacking in addressing the sociological aspects that social work required. Systems theory, with its emphasis on the interdependence of various components within a system, was viewed as offering a more holistic approach.

Question 17

The starting point of systems practice is to avoid focusing only on the __________.

Accepted Answer

The starting point of systems practice emphasizes looking beyond individual elements to understand the broader, interconnected systems at play. Focusing solely on the individual overlooks the complex interactions and dependencies within systems.

Question 18

An advantage of using systems theory with residential care is:

Accepted Answer

Systems theory in residential care aids in limiting the complexity to specific issues or relationships (choice B) and helps in establishing homeostasis (choice C), making both B and C correct. It provides a framework for understanding the interactions and dynamics within the residential care setting, focusing on the relationships and interactions among the system's parts rather than isolating problems to individual elements.

Question 19

Ecological theory focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Ecological theory emphasizes the interactions and relationships between individuals and their environments, including social connections and community engagement.

Question 20

Developing networks in social support systems emerged:

Accepted Answer

Developing networks in social support systems, particularly in the context of mental health work, emerged as a strategy to support individuals who are isolated. This approach is based on the understanding that social connections and support can significantly impact an individual's mental health and well-being, providing a buffer against isolation and its negative effects.

Quiz 9: Strengths, Narrative, and Solution Practice