LSA - Licensed Social Worker Associate Human Growth and Development Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A social worker is assessing a 4-year-old child who has difficulty sharing toys, sees situations only from their own perspective, and is rapidly developing language skills. According to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which stage is the child most likely in?
- Sensorimotor Stage
- Preoperational Stage (Correct answer)
- Concrete Operational Stage
- Formal Operational Stage
Correct answer: Preoperational Stage
The Preoperational Stage (ages 2-7) is characterized by egocentrism (difficulty seeing other perspectives), symbolic thinking, and language development. The child's described behaviors, such as difficulty sharing and seeing things from their own viewpoint, are classic indicators of this stage.
Question 2: An 18-month-old child shows distress when their caregiver leaves the room but is easily soothed upon their return, then confidently continues to explore the playroom. This behavior is indicative of which of the following attachment styles as described by Mary Ainsworth?
- Anxious-Ambivalent Attachment
- Disorganized Attachment
- Secure Attachment (Correct answer)
- Avoidant Attachment
Correct answer: Secure Attachment
Secure attachment is demonstrated when a child uses the caregiver as a 'secure base' from which to explore. They show appropriate distress when the caregiver leaves and are happy and easily comforted upon their return.
Question 3: According to Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, which of the following is the primary conflict that individuals face during adolescence (ages 12-18)?
- Trust vs. Mistrust
- Initiative vs. Guilt
- Intimacy vs. Isolation
- Identity vs. Role Confusion (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Identity vs. Role Confusion
Erikson's fifth stage, Identity vs. Role Confusion, occurs during adolescence. The primary task is for the adolescent to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to an ability to stay true to oneself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.
Question 4: A 75-year-old client in a life review group expresses a sense of peace and fulfillment, stating, 'I've had my ups and downs, but I wouldn't change a thing.' This statement best exemplifies a successful resolution of which of Erikson's psychosocial stages?
- Generativity vs. Stagnation
- Intimacy vs. Isolation
- Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Correct answer)
- Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct answer: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
The final stage in Erikson's theory, Ego Integrity vs. Despair, occurs in late adulthood. A successful resolution involves looking back on life with a sense of fulfillment and acceptance, leading to wisdom. The client's statement reflects this sense of integrity.
Question 5: A social worker observes a group of 8-year-old children playing a board game. They are focused on following the rules exactly as they are written and believe that rules cannot be changed. According to Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, these children are most likely operating at which level?
- Preconventional Level
- Conventional Level (Correct answer)
- Postconventional Level
- Unconventional Level
Correct answer: Conventional Level
The Conventional Level of moral development, particularly Stage 4 (Maintaining Social Order), is characterized by a focus on obeying laws and rules to uphold order. The children's strict adherence to the game's rules and belief that they are unchangeable reflects this stage, where authority and fixed rules are paramount.
Question 6: Which of the following cognitive abilities is a hallmark of Piaget's Formal Operational Stage, typically beginning around age 12?
- Object Permanence
- Egocentrism
- Conservation
- Abstract and Hypothetical Reasoning (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Abstract and Hypothetical Reasoning
The Formal Operational Stage is the final stage in Piaget's theory. Its main characteristic is the ability to think abstractly, reason hypothetically, and consider multiple possibilities. This allows for more advanced problem-solving and scientific thinking.
