ASWB Masters Trivia 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NASW's Code of Ethics, what is the primary obligation when a social worker's personal values conflict with a client's choices?
- Refer the client to another provider immediately
- Prioritize client self-determination over personal values (Correct answer)
- Consult a supervisor before proceeding
- Terminate the professional relationship
Correct answer: Prioritize client self-determination over personal values
The Code of Ethics obligates social workers to prioritize client self-determination even when the client's choices conflict with the worker's personal values.
Question 2: Which theoretical framework explains behavior by examining the reciprocal interaction between a person and their environment?
- Psychodynamic theory
- Cognitive-behavioral theory
- Person-in-environment perspective (Correct answer)
- Attachment theory
Correct answer: Person-in-environment perspective
The person-in-environment (PIE) perspective is the hallmark framework of social work, focusing on the reciprocal relationship between individuals and their surroundings.
Question 3: A social worker receives a subpoena for a client's records. What is the FIRST step?
- Release the records immediately to comply with the court
- Notify the client and consult an attorney (Correct answer)
- Destroy sensitive records before the court date
- Contact the opposing attorney for clarification
Correct answer: Notify the client and consult an attorney
Upon receiving a subpoena, the social worker should first notify the client and consult with legal counsel before releasing any records.
Question 4: Erikson's stage of 'Intimacy vs. Isolation' is associated with which life period?
- Adolescence
- Middle adulthood
- Early adulthood (Correct answer)
- Late adulthood
Correct answer: Early adulthood
Erikson placed the Intimacy vs. Isolation stage in early adulthood, roughly ages 18–40, when individuals seek deep relationships.
Question 5: Which mandated reporting rule applies to a licensed clinical social worker who suspects elder abuse?
- Reporting is optional if the elder objects
- Report only if there is physical evidence
- Report to Adult Protective Services regardless of client consent (Correct answer)
- Reporting is required only in institutional settings
Correct answer: Report to Adult Protective Services regardless of client consent
All U.S. states require licensed social workers to report suspected elder abuse to APS regardless of whether the elder consents to the report.
Question 6: In solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), the 'miracle question' is primarily used to:
- Identify past trauma triggers
- Explore a client's preferred future without the problem (Correct answer)
- Assign cognitive restructuring homework
- Assess suicidal ideation
Correct answer: Explore a client's preferred future without the problem
The miracle question invites clients to imagine life as they want it, helping therapist and client co-construct goal-directed solutions.
Question 7: According to NASW standards, social workers have an ethical duty to engage in which of the following to maintain competence?
- Pass a competency exam every two years
- Pursue ongoing continuing education and professional development (Correct answer)
- Obtain board certification within five years of licensure
- Maintain a caseload below agency average
Correct answer: Pursue ongoing continuing education and professional development
NASW's Code of Ethics (Section 4.01) requires social workers to strive for ongoing professional development to maintain competence.
