Question 1

Goal attainment (one of the four functional requisites) is consummatory (an end state) and

Accepted Answer

A)  Internal 
B)  Instrumental 
C)  External 
D)  Equifinal C

Question 2

Ecological theory offers a way of examining the effects of environment on social organization and therefore it becomes an approach to the general study of

Accepted Answer

A)  Well-being 
B)  Homeostasis 
C)  Social change 
D)  Social work practice C

Question 3

What are the hallmarks of a good theory?

Accepted Answer

A good theory possesses several hallmarks that distinguish it as a robust and reliable framework for understanding phenomena. These hallmarks include:

1. **Explanatory Power**: A good theory should explain the phenomena it addresses in a clear and comprehensive manner. It should account for the data and observations relevant to the subject matter and provide a coherent narrative that connects and makes sense of them.

2. **Predictive Accuracy**: A theory should be able to make accurate predictions about future events or observations. These predictions should be testable and, ideally, quantifiable. The ability to forecast outcomes based on the theory is a strong indicator of its validity.

3. **Internal Consistency**: The components of a theory should not contradict each other. A good theory maintains logical coherence throughout its structure, with principles and assumptions that align with one another.

4. **External Consistency**: A good theory should be consistent with other well-established theories unless it is specifically intended to replace or revise them. It should fit within the broader scientific understanding and not require the rejection of other theories without compelling evidence.

5. **Falsifiability**: Proposed by philosopher Karl Popper, falsifiability is the idea that a theory must be structured in such a way that it can be proven wrong under certain conditions. If a theory cannot be tested for its validity, it cannot be considered scientific.

6. **Simplicity (Parsimony)**: A theory should be as simple as possible, avoiding unnecessary complexity. This principle, known as Occam's Razor, suggests that among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected.

7. **Fruitfulness**: A good theory often opens up new areas of research and generates new questions. It should provide a foundation for further discovery and not just be an end in itself.

8. **Scope**: The breadth of a theory's applicability is also important. A good theory should have wide applicability and be relevant to multiple cases or phenomena rather than being narrowly focused.

9. **Practical Utility**: While not always a requirement, especially for more theoretical disciplines, a good theory often has practical applications. It can be used to solve real-world problems or improve systems and processes.

10. **Clarity**: The concepts and propositions of a theory should be defined with precision and clarity. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation and undermine the theory's utility.

A theory that embodies these characteristics is more likely to be robust, reliable, and widely accepted within the scientific community. However, it's important to note that theories are always subject to revision or replacement as new evidence emerges and our understanding of the world evolves.

Question 4

The quality of the self as being able to consider itself objectively is termed

Accepted Answer

A)  Syntonic 
B)  Autistic 
C)  Conundrum 
D)  Reflexive

Question 5

The person largely responsible for formulating general systems theory was

Accepted Answer

A)  Allport 
B)  Freud 
C)  Lewin 
D)  vonBertalanffy

Question 6

The social systems perspective is based on nine assumptions. Identify and discuss four of these assumptions

Accepted Answer

The answer of The social systems perspective is based on...

Question 7

A sociological theory that addresses the interactions between the individual and society through symbolic communication is

Accepted Answer

A)  Role theory 
B)  General systems theory 
C)  Symbolic Interactionism 
D)  Functional theory

Question 8

Properties of a whole that are not possessed by the parts comprising the whole are known as

Accepted Answer

A)  Emergent 
B)  System 
C)  Feedback 
D)  Entropy

Question 9

For most of us, the family is central in the development of our sense of the generalized other and also our enduring values. The family is

Accepted Answer

A)  A primary group 
B)  A secondary group 
C)  A tertiary group 
D)  A dominant group

Question 10

General systems theory seeks to explain the principles of

Accepted Answer

A)  Social behavior 
B)  Organization 
C)  Models 
D)  Personality development

Question 11

According to Koestler, the attribute of all systems is to be simultaneously oriented outward to the environment and inward toward internal functioning. This is known as

Accepted Answer

A)  Holon 
B)  Multifinality 
C)  Equifinality 
D)  Entropy

Question 12

Working with individuals to improve their conditions, while at the same time, working to change the social conditions that oppress and limit human potential is

Accepted Answer

A)  Policy practice 
B)  Community practice 
C)  Systems emergence 
D)  The dual tradition

Question 13

According to general systems theory, all systems are

Accepted Answer

A)  Autonomous 
B)  Closed 
C)  Open 
D)  Humanistic

Question 14

An agency program is created to treat heroin addiction. Over time the need for this treatment decreases, while the need to address Ecstasy addition increases. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

A)  Integration 
B)  Adaptation 
C)  Latency 
D)  Goal attainment

Question 15

The 'generalized other' is defined by Mead as

Accepted Answer

A)  The family system 
B)  An internal representation 
C)  The same as the id 
D)  Public opinion

Question 16

General systems theory is essentially a theory of order. From this perspective define and contrast the concepts of entropy and negative entropy and the link with the concepts of open and closed systems.

Accepted Answer

The answer of General systems theory is essentially a theory...

Question 17

The internalized rules for proper behavior in a particular situation involve

Accepted Answer

A)  Roles 
B)  The reflexive 
C)  Latency 
D)  Adaptation

Question 18

Identify and differentiate the four functions that can, according to Parsons, be used for the analysis of all social systems.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify and differentiate the four functions that...

Question 19

Social functions that are formally recognized by society, as the police function of preventing crime are

Accepted Answer

A)  Manifest social functions 
B)  Latent social functions 
C)  Family social functions 
D)  Autonomous social functions

Question 20

Ecological theory focuses on the interdependence of everything sharing the same habitat. Provide a definition of PIE and discuss its impact on social work practice.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Ecological theory focuses on the interdependence of...

Exam 2: Foundations for Social Systems Theory