Question 1

Explain how structural functionalism can be critiqued.

Accepted Answer

Because these structural functionalist theorists adhere to an organismic analogy in which the system always adapts or returns to a level of stability and cohesion, they demonstrate conservatism and a return to unity or regulation; these theories struggle to address high degrees of change within a system or society. The structural functionalists have had the most difficulty in examining how new types of social structures are created or come into existence. Finally, it is important to note that even at the beginning of the 21st century, structural functionalist ideas, which have been slow to acknowledge new and diverse social structures, are profoundly critiqued in discourse about societal, institutional and familial behavior.

Question 2

Structural functionalism seeks to explain how systems best function and emphasizes Knowledge that is hard, real and tangible.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the comparison of the ecosystems perspective and general systems theory is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A)   Only general systems theory has been conceptually linked to the PIE perspective.
B)   Only the ecosystems perspective has been conceptually linked to the PIE perspective.
C)   General systems theory was developed earlier than the ecosystems perspective.
D)   The ecosystems perspective was developed earlier than general systems theory. C

Question 4

Elaborate on how recent development of ecosystems theory has addressed oppression, coping mechanisms, and diversity over the life course.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Elaborate on how recent development of ecosystems...

Question 5

Merton sees deviant adaptations, such as retreatism and rebellion, as forms of psychopathology.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Why did social workers struggle for most of the 20th century to implement their dual purpose, focused on both individual remediation and social change?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why did social workers struggle for most...

Question 7

In family therapy, change in one family member will likely generate change in all other family members. Which concept of systems theory is reflected in this process?

Accepted Answer

A)   boundary
B)   entropy
C)   equifinality
D)   feedback

Question 8

After addressing the shortcomings of its early development, ______ continues to function as a prevailing theoretical and practice-based perspective in social work.

Accepted Answer

A)   structural functionalism
B)   general systems theory
C)   ego theory
D)   ecosystems theory

Question 9

According to Parsons' AGIL model, the capacity of the system to interact with the environment and acquire sufficient resources is called ______.

Accepted Answer

A)   goal attainment
B)   adaptation
C)   latency
D)   integration

Question 10

Which of the following statement is TRUE about the concept of life course?

Accepted Answer

A)   It is a linear conception of human growth and development.
B)   It is silent on issues of race, gender, and sexual orientation.
C)   It was first proposed by Eric Erikson in his psychosocial theory.
D)   It places diversity directly at the heart of growth and development.

Question 11

What are the proposes of the Life Model? How can they be applied in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the proposes of the Life...

Question 12

Which of Merton's adaptive responses is represented a person internalizing social goals and having access to socially approved means to reach them?

Accepted Answer

A)   conformity
B)   innovation
C)   retreatism
D)   ritualism

Question 13

Structural functionalists hold which of the following beliefs?

Accepted Answer

A)   People with mental illnesses represent a threat to the stability of a society.
B)   The system may not always return to a level of stability and cohesion.
C)   Change within a system or society is easily dealt with.
D)   It is easy to explain how new types of social structures are created.

Question 14

To date, structural functionalism has NOT adequately addressed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people or diverse forms of women's growth and development.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

In the social work frame of reference based on systems theory, the ______ is understood to be made up of subsystems that include biological, psychological, social, and spiritual components.

Accepted Answer

A)   person
B)   environment
C)   life model
D)   transaction

Question 16

If you have grown up in poverty or experienced intimate partner violence, these prior experiences do NOT have to determine what happens to you in the future. Which concept of systems theory is reflected in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

A)   homeostasis
B)   reciprocity
C)   multifinality
D)   boundary

Question 17

Which of the following statements is an assumption of the Life Model?

Accepted Answer

A)   It provides a way to conceptualize problems, formulate objectives, and widens the arena of help and expands the role of the caseworker.
B)   Human growth and development is an evolutionary process in which adaptations are made between individuals and their environments.
C)   It helps to guide social workers in their efforts to engage progressive forces and adaptive potentialities of the person.
D)   It helps to guide social workers in their efforts to mobilize the environmental processes and alter elements of the environment.

Question 18

A(n) ______ provides social workers with a visual image showing the social and personal relationships of an individual with his or her environment, such as families, groups, communities, and organizations.

Accepted Answer

A)   genogram
B)   eco-map
C)   culturagram
D)   gendergram

Question 19

Which of the following ideas was proposed by Spencer?

Accepted Answer

A)   Societies are naturally evolving super organisms.
B)   Stability and order are the predominant forces in social affairs.
C)   Societies are held together on the basis of mechanical solidarity.
D)   A state of normlessness happens during the transition from traditional to industrial societies.

Question 20

The general systems theory and the ecosystems perspective are different because the former has been linked to the PIE perspective but the latter has NOT.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 6: System Theories

Explain how structural functionalism can be critiqued.

Structural functionalism seeks to explain how systems best function and emphasizes Knowledge that is hard, real and tangible.

Which of the following statements about the comparison of the ecosystems perspective and general systems theory is TRUE?

Elaborate on how recent development of ecosystems theory has addressed oppression, coping mechanisms, and diversity over the life course.

Merton sees deviant adaptations, such as retreatism and rebellion, as forms of psychopathology.

Why did social workers struggle for most of the 20th century to implement their dual purpose, focused on both individual remediation and social change?

In family therapy, change in one family member will likely generate change in all other family members. Which concept of systems theory is reflected in this process?

After addressing the shortcomings of its early development, ______ continues to function as a prevailing theoretical and practice-based perspective in social work.

According to Parsons' AGIL model, the capacity of the system to interact with the environment and acquire sufficient resources is called ______.

Which of the following statement is TRUE about the concept of life course?

What are the proposes of the Life Model? How can they be applied in social work practice?

Which of Merton's adaptive responses is represented a person internalizing social goals and having access to socially approved means to reach them?

Structural functionalists hold which of the following beliefs?

To date, structural functionalism has NOT adequately addressed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people or diverse forms of women's growth and development.

In the social work frame of reference based on systems theory, the ______ is understood to be made up of subsystems that include biological, psychological, social, and spiritual components.

If you have grown up in poverty or experienced intimate partner violence, these prior experiences do NOT have to determine what happens to you in the future. Which concept of systems theory is reflected in this scenario?

Which of the following statements is an assumption of the Life Model?

A(n) ______ provides social workers with a visual image showing the social and personal relationships of an individual with his or her environment, such as families, groups, communities, and organizations.

Which of the following ideas was proposed by Spencer?

The general systems theory and the ecosystems perspective are different because the former has been linked to the PIE perspective but the latter has NOT.