MSW Master of Social Work Human Development and Behavior Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 4-year-old child attending preschool is observed to be highly imaginative, engages in fantasy play with peers, and is beginning to understand social rules. However, the child struggles with understanding that others have different thoughts and feelings. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which stage is this child most likely in?
- Sensorimotor
- Preoperational (Correct answer)
- Concrete Operational
- Formal Operational
Correct answer: Preoperational
The Preoperational stage (ages 2-7) is characterized by symbolic thinking, creativity, and egocentrism. The child's engagement in fantasy play and developing understanding of rules are hallmarks of this stage, as is the difficulty with perspective-taking (egocentrism). The Sensorimotor stage involves learning through senses, Concrete Operational involves logical thought about concrete events, and Formal Operational involves abstract reasoning.
Question 2: A social worker is counseling a 45-year-old man who reports feeling unfulfilled in his career and disconnected from his community. He expresses a desire to mentor younger professionals and contribute more meaningfully to society. According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, this client is grappling with the central conflict of:
- Intimacy vs. Isolation
- Identity vs. Role Confusion
- Generativity vs. Stagnation (Correct answer)
- Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Correct answer: Generativity vs. Stagnation
Erikson's seventh stage, Generativity vs. Stagnation, occurs during middle adulthood (ages 40-65). The primary conflict involves contributing to the next generation and society (generativity) versus feeling a lack of purpose or productivity (stagnation). The client's desire to mentor and contribute aligns directly with the drive for generativity.
Question 3: A teenager explains that they believe it is wrong to cheat on a test because it is against the school rules, and if they get caught, they will be suspended. According to Kohlberg's theory of moral development, this reasoning is characteristic of which level?
- Post-conventional
- Unconventional
- Pre-conventional
- Conventional (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Conventional
The Conventional level of moral development is characterized by an acceptance of social rules and a desire to maintain social order. Reasoning is based on the norms of the group or society. The teenager's justification, focusing on obeying rules and authority to avoid negative social consequences, fits within the 'Maintaining Social Order' stage (Stage 4) of the Conventional level.
Question 4: A social worker is working with a young adult who has a pattern of unstable relationships. The client reports intense fear of abandonment but also pushes people away when they get too close. This behavior is most indicative of which attachment style?
- Secure
- Anxious-Preoccupied
- Dismissive-Avoidant
- Disorganized/Fearful-Avoidant (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Disorganized/Fearful-Avoidant
Disorganized/Fearful-Avoidant attachment is characterized by a contradictory desire for intimacy and a fear of it. Individuals with this style often have a history of trauma or loss and exhibit confusing behaviors, simultaneously craving connection and fearing being hurt, leading them to push others away.
Question 5: Which of the following is a key developmental task for a toddler (ages 1-3) according to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development?
- Developing a sense of trust in caregivers
- Learning to initiate tasks and carry out plans
- Applying themselves to tasks and feeling competent
- Developing a sense of personal control and independence (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Developing a sense of personal control and independence
According to Erikson, the primary psychosocial crisis for toddlers (ages 1.5-3 years) is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. The key developmental task during this stage is for the child to develop a greater sense of self-control and independence by exploring their environment and making choices.
Question 6: A client consistently dismisses the importance of close relationships, prides themself on self-sufficiency, and is uncomfortable with emotional intimacy. When their partner tries to get closer, the client becomes distant and emotionally unavailable. This pattern is most consistent with which attachment style?
- Anxious-Preoccupied
- Dismissive-Avoidant (Correct answer)
- Secure
- Disorganized
Correct answer: Dismissive-Avoidant
Dismissive-Avoidant attachment is characterized by a strong sense of independence and discomfort with intimacy. Individuals with this style tend to suppress their emotions and avoid deep emotional connections with others, often perceiving partners as 'needy' when they seek closeness.
MSW Master of Social Work Human Development and Behavior Questions and Answers
A 4-year-old child attending preschool is observed to be highly imaginative, engages in fantasy play with peers, and is beginning to understand social rules.
However, the child struggles with understanding that others have different thoughts and feelings.
According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which stage is this child most likely in?