Question 1

A client complains to her social worker that he has not offered the services that he was scheduled to provide. The client says, "If I don't receive the services soon, I am going to talk to your supervisor." The social worker in agitation replies, "Do that, and I will no longer try to help you." This scenario illustrates that the social worker is:
A)​judging.
B)​counterattacking.
C)​trying to convince the client.
D)​using humor inappropriately.

Accepted Answer

The social worker is reacting defensively, counterattacking the client by threatening to withdraw their help if the client seeks further assistance from the social worker's supervisor. This is not an appropriate or professional response to the client's complaint.

Question 2

Members of some native American tribes regard eye-to-eye contact as a(n):
A)​attack on credibility.
B)​breach of trust.
C)​intrusion on privacy.
D)​violation of equality.

Accepted Answer

In some Native American cultures, direct eye contact is considered an intrusion on privacy, reflecting a different understanding of social interaction and respect compared to some other cultures where eye contact might be seen as a sign of attentiveness or honesty.

Question 3

Linda, a social worker, communicates with Kate, a child in foster care. Linda asks Kate, "How are you feeling here? Do you feel comfortable? Do you want to stay?" In this scenario, Linda is:
A)​asking leading questions.
B)​asking stacked questions.
C)​interrupting inappropriately.
D)​dominating the interaction.

Accepted Answer

Linda is asking stacked questions, which can be confusing for the child and may not allow her to fully express her feelings. It's better to ask open-ended questions that give the child more room to express themselves. For example, "How do you like living here? Is there anything you find difficult or challenging? How can we help you feel more comfortable?"

Question 4

Anne, a social worker, listens to her client's account of how her children have been whiny and disrespectful to her. Anne responds, "I am sure they don't mean to act this way; they are just tired." This statement is an example of a(n):
A)​counterattack.
B)​sarcasm.
C)​criticism.
D)​excuse.

Accepted Answer

Anne's statement is an excuse because she is making a justification for the children's behavior instead of addressing the client's concern about their disrespectfulness.

Question 5

​Tony, a teenager, is unhappy in his group home. Sam, a social worker, approaches him to sort out the issues that are making him unhappy. Sam asks Tony, "Do you think you have tried all the possible ways by which you can make this placement work?" This question by Sam is an example of a:
A)​stacked question.
B)​leading question.
C)​premature advice.
D)​judgment.

Accepted Answer

The question stems from the assumption that Tony has not tried all possible ways to make the placement work, which is a leading question. It suggests an answer and may influence Tony's response.

Question 6

When a social worker repeatedly offers advice, pressurizes clients to improve, presents lengthy arguments to convince clients, interrupts frequently, and offers excessive or inappropriate self-disclosure, it indicates that the social worker is:
A)​using double-barreled questions.
B)​going on tangential exploration.
C)​focusing on discussing safe topics.
D)​dominating the interaction.

Accepted Answer

These behaviors suggest that the social worker is dominating the interaction, which can be harmful to the client's autonomy and sense of agency in the helping process. A social worker should aim to empower clients, rather than controlling or pressuring them.

Question 7

Assuming a position of superiority and quickly providing solutions for problems without encouraging clients to think through the possible courses of action:
A)​fosters dependency and stifles creative thinking.
B)​encourages the clients to reveal their troubling feelings.
C)​serves to restore the comfort level of the clients.
D)​induces the clients to agree with a particular view.

Accepted Answer

Assuming a position of superiority and providing solutions without encouraging clients to think through possible courses of action fosters dependency on the provider and does not allow for the development of creative thinking skills. It can also lead to the client feeling disempowered and disrespected. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

Question 8

Andrew loses his job because he came to work while he was under the influence of alcohol. He approaches Ron, a social worker, for a counseling session. After a brief conversation with Andrew, Ron says, "It is clear to me that you are in denial about what alcohol is doing to you." This scenario indicates that Ron is:
A)​judging, criticizing, and placing blame.
B)​trying to convince using logic.
C)​making glib interpretations.
D)​using sarcasm and humor.

Accepted Answer

Ron is making a glib interpretation by quickly concluding that Andrew is in denial without exploring deeper into Andrew's situation or feelings.

Question 9

Which of the following behaviors displayed by a social worker communicates his or her hurriedness and anxiety while interacting with a client?
A)​Looking out the window
B)​Frequently glancing at the clock
C)​Having a rigid posture
D)​Yawning excessively

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following behaviors displayed by...

Question 10

Which of the following statements is true of stacked questions?
A)​They focus on adopting a solution that social workers deem to be in clients' best interests.
B)​They involve untimely interruptions by a social worker during conversation with a client.
C)​They are designed to induce clients to agree with a particular view.
D)​They have "low yield" and are unproductive and inefficient in gathering relevant information.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements is true...

Question 11

A client is likely to discredit the message communicated by the social worker if:
A)​the social worker uses facilitative questions to attain detailed information about specific problem areas.
B)​there is a discrepancy between the social worker's verbal and nonverbal communication.
C)​there is moment-to-moment contact between the client and the social worker.
D)​the social worker uses empathic communication to produce a cathartic release of negative feelings.

Accepted Answer

Nonverbal communication can convey a different message from verbal communication, and if there is a discrepancy between them, the client may not believe the social worker's message. This can result in a lack of trust and can discredit the message communicated by the social worker.

Question 12

Which of the following is the most appropriate response by a social worker when a client reports to the social worker that her children are whiny and disrespectful?
A)​Can you tell me what happened recently with them that led you to feel they were disrespectful or whiny?
B)​You must have done some harm to them that led them to be whiny and disrespectful to you.
C)​I really feel sorry for you.
D)​Children are sometimes like that.

Accepted Answer

This response shows empathy and a desire to understand the situation better. It allows the social worker to gather more information about the client's concerns and helps to build a stronger rapport between the social worker and the client. The other options either blame the client, dismiss the client's concerns, or offer sympathy without addressing the issue.

Question 13

Anna has not received the resources that were promised to her by Harry, her social worker. She decides to complain about this issue to Harry's manager. Anna tells Harry, "If you do not work on this soon, I am going to talk to your manager." In this scenario, which of the following is the best response that Harry can give Anna?
A)​You have the right to be served effectively. I can get you my supervisor's phone number.
B)​My supervisor's office is next door. Do not let my door hit you on the way out.
C)​Look on the brighter side. You have turned active and involved. You are not passive.
D)​If you do not apologize right away, you'll be sorry.

Accepted Answer

This response shows empathy towards Anna's situation while also offering a solution by providing contact information for Harry's supervisor. It is important for social workers to acknowledge and address client concerns in a respectful and professional manner.

Question 14

While interacting with a client, the statement "Running away from home was a bad mistake" indicates that the social worker is:
A)​using sarcasm and humor inappropriately.
B)​judging, criticizing, or placing blame on the client.
C)​advising or giving solutions prematurely.
D)​sympathizing with the client.

Accepted Answer

The statement "Running away from home was a bad mistake" implies a judgment or criticism of the client's actions. The social worker is indicating disapproval of the client's decision to run away from home.

Question 15

Usage of social work jargon, such as fixation, resistance, reinforcement, repression, passivity, and neuroticism, by a social worker to describe the behavior of clients in their presence is:
A)​destructive to the helping process.
B)​useful in convincing the clients.
C)​the correct form of incorporating sarcasm while communicating.
D)​the most efficient way of consoling the client.

Accepted Answer

The usage of social work jargon can be confusing and intimidating for clients, leading to a breakdown in communication and eroding the trust between the social worker and client. It is essential that social workers use simple, clear language that the client can understand and relate to. The use of jargon can hinder the client's ability to engage in the helping process and may even exacerbate the client's problems. Therefore, it is destructive to the helping process.

Question 16

Which of the following statements by a social worker is an example of reassuring or providing false assurance to a client?
A)​Try to focus on your new quality of life.
B)​Certainly, your surgery will be successful.
C)​I sense that you are feeling very anxious.
D)​Other people have had similar experiences.

Accepted Answer

Providing false assurance or reassurance involves making promises that cannot be guaranteed, such as assuring the client that their surgery will be successful. As a social worker, it is important to avoid making promises that cannot be kept, as this can undermine trust and credibility with clients. Instead, it is better to offer support and empathy, to acknowledge the client's emotions, and to provide accurate information about the situation. Choices A, C, and D all demonstrate appropriate social work skills by offering support, acknowledging emotions, and providing empathy and normalization.

Question 17

Which of the following can be used by a social worker as an effective tool in the helping process and to diffuse conflict?
A)​Parroting
B)​Jargon
C)​Criticism
D)​Humor

Accepted Answer

Humor can be an effective tool in the helping process and to diffuse conflict when used appropriately. It can help to lighten the mood, build rapport, and make difficult topics more approachable.

Question 18

An employee, who is facing efficiency issues and complaints from managers at his workplace, approaches a social worker to seek remedial solutions. After listening to the client's problems, the social worker responds, "Try joining a different workplace." This response is an example of:
A)​consoling.
B)​blaming.
C)​advising.
D)​threatening.

Accepted Answer

The social worker's response is an example of advising because they are providing a suggestion or recommendation to the employee on how to potentially solve their problem, which is to consider joining a different workplace.

Question 19

When a client responds "Yes, but I've already tried that" with little enthusiasm demonstrated for actually doing so, the response serves as a feedback clue that the social worker has slipped into the habit of:
A)​giving premature advice.
B)​sympathizing with the situation.
C)​consoling the client.
D)​criticizing and blaming the client.

Accepted Answer

The response "Yes, but I've already tried that" with little enthusiasm suggests that the social worker has given premature advice and the client has already attempted the suggested solution without success. It is important for the social worker to listen to the client's concerns and explore alternative options rather than immediately providing solutions.

Question 20

Mr. Gordon, who is suffering from depression, approaches a social worker to seek counseling. While Mr. Gordon speaks about his traumatic childhood experiences, the social worker squirms in her chair and continuously fidgets with her hands. This behavior of the social worker conveys:
A)​her interest in the ongoing communication.
B)​her lack of concern for Mr. Gordon.
C)​her inability to understand Mr. Gordon's behavioral cue.
D)​her attempt to relieve Mr. Gordon's discomfort.

Accepted Answer

The social worker's behavior of squirming in her chair and fidgeting with her hands likely indicates discomfort or a lack of concern for Mr. Gordon's situation, rather than active listening or empathy. This behavior does not convey interest, understanding, or an attempt to relieve discomfort.

Quiz 7: Eliminating Counterproductive Communication Patterns and Substituting Positive Alternatives

Members of some native American tribes regard eye-to-eye contact as a(n) :

Linda, a social worker, communicates with Kate, a child in foster care. Linda asks Kate, "How are you feeling here? Do you feel comfortable? Do you want to stay?" In this scenario, Linda is:

Anne, a social worker, listens to her client's account of how her children have been whiny and disrespectful to her. Anne responds, "I am sure they don't mean to act this way; they are just tired." This statement is an example of a(n) :

Tony, a teenager, is unhappy in his group home. Sam, a social worker, approaches him to sort out the issues that are making him unhappy. Sam asks Tony, "Do you think you have tried all the possible ways by which you can make this placement work?" This question by Sam is an example of a:

When a social worker repeatedly offers advice, pressurizes clients to improve, presents lengthy arguments to convince clients, interrupts frequently, and offers excessive or inappropriate self-disclosure, it indicates that the social worker is:

Assuming a position of superiority and quickly providing solutions for problems without encouraging clients to think through the possible courses of action:

Which of the following behaviors displayed by a social worker communicates his or her hurriedness and anxiety while interacting with a client?

Which of the following statements is true of stacked questions?

A client is likely to discredit the message communicated by the social worker if:

Which of the following is the most appropriate response by a social worker when a client reports to the social worker that her children are whiny and disrespectful?

While interacting with a client, the statement "Running away from home was a bad mistake" indicates that the social worker is:

Usage of social work jargon, such as fixation, resistance, reinforcement, repression, passivity, and neuroticism, by a social worker to describe the behavior of clients in their presence is:

Which of the following statements by a social worker is an example of reassuring or providing false assurance to a client?

Which of the following can be used by a social worker as an effective tool in the helping process and to diffuse conflict?

An employee, who is facing efficiency issues and complaints from managers at his workplace, approaches a social worker to seek remedial solutions. After listening to the client's problems, the social worker responds, "Try joining a different workplace." This response is an example of:

When a client responds "Yes, but I've already tried that" with little enthusiasm demonstrated for actually doing so, the response serves as a feedback clue that the social worker has slipped into the habit of:

Mr. Gordon, who is suffering from depression, approaches a social worker to seek counseling. While Mr. Gordon speaks about his traumatic childhood experiences, the social worker squirms in her chair and continuously fidgets with her hands. This behavior of the social worker conveys: