MSW Group Work Practice 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Yalom, which of the following is a primary therapeutic factor in group therapy?
- Cohesiveness (Correct answer)
- Free association
- Systematic desensitization
- Transference interpretation
Correct answer: Cohesiveness
Yalom identified cohesiveness — the sense of belonging and connection members feel — as one of the central curative factors that makes group therapy effective.
Question 2: Which social work theorist is most associated with the 'mutual aid' model of group work?
- William Schwartz (Correct answer)
- Helen Northen
- Gisela Konopka
- Robert Vinter
Correct answer: William Schwartz
William Schwartz developed the mutual aid model, describing the group as a system in which members help each other through a symbiotic relationship between individual and group needs.
Question 3: In Yalom's framework, 'universality' as a therapeutic factor refers to:
- The realization that one's problems are shared by other group members (Correct answer)
- Applying group methods across all practice settings
- Using a single standardized protocol for all groups
- Ensuring all members work toward the same goal
Correct answer: The realization that one's problems are shared by other group members
Universality is the healing recognition that one is not alone — others in the group share similar struggles and experiences.
Question 4: Which type of group in social work practice primarily uses structured psychoeducation and skill-building to address specific member needs?
- Psychoeducational group (Correct answer)
- Psychotherapy group
- Task group
- Support group
Correct answer: Psychoeducational group
Psychoeducational groups combine education with supportive group interaction to teach members skills and information relevant to a specific issue or condition.
Question 5: A social worker notices group members are challenging each other's ideas and competing for influence. According to Tuckman's model, the group is most likely in the:
- Storming stage (Correct answer)
- Forming stage
- Norming stage
- Performing stage
Correct answer: Storming stage
The storming stage is characterized by interpersonal conflict, competition, and challenges to the leader as members negotiate roles and power.
Question 6: In group work, 'scapegoating' is best described as:
- The group directing hostility toward one member to avoid confronting shared group tensions (Correct answer)
- A leader singling out one member for excessive praise
- Members competing openly for the leadership role
- One member dominating all group discussions
Correct answer: The group directing hostility toward one member to avoid confronting shared group tensions
Scapegoating occurs when the group projects its collective anxiety or conflict onto a single member, making that individual the target of blame to avoid addressing deeper group issues.
Question 7: The remedial model of group work, associated with Robert Vinter, primarily views the group as:
- A means to treat individual dysfunction and restore member functioning (Correct answer)
- A vehicle for social change and democratic citizenship
- A mutual aid system mediating between individuals and society
- A structured educational environment for skill acquisition
Correct answer: A means to treat individual dysfunction and restore member functioning
Vinter's remedial model focuses on individual change, treating the group as a context and instrument for improving the functioning of each member.
MSW Group Work Practice 1
According to Yalom, which of the following is a primary therapeutic factor in group therapy?