LMSW – Licensed Master Social Worker

1. Question 1 · Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment

   Which of the following best describes Erikson's stage of “Industry vs. Inferiority”?
   • A.Adolescents explore identity and independence.
   • B.Toddlers develop a sense of personal control.
   • C.Children strive to master tasks and gain approval through achievements.
   • D.Infants form bonds with primary caregivers.
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: C. Children strive to master tasks and gain approval through achievements.

   In Erikson's “Industry vs. Inferiority” stage (ages 6–12), children seek to achieve competence through learning, working, and gaining approval for their accomplishments. Failing to do so can lead to feelings of inferiority.

2. Question 2 · Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment

   Which model of addiction views substance use as a chronic disease that requires medical treatment?
   • A.Moral model
   • B.Sociocultural model
   • C.Psychodynamic model
   • D.Disease model
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: D. Disease model

   The disease model frames addiction as a medical condition with physiological causes, such as genetic predisposition and chemical imbalances, requiring professional treatment and often lifelong management.

3. Question 3 · Assessment and Intervention Planning

   Which type of research study is most effective for determining cause and effect?
   • A.Case study
   • B.Cross-sectional study
   • C.Correlational study
   • D.Experimental study
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: D. Experimental study

   Experimental studies involve manipulation of variables and control groups, making them the most reliable method for establishing causal relationships.

4. Question 4 · Interventions with Clients/client Systems

   During which stage of group development do members typically experience conflict and begin to assert their individual identities?
   • A.Forming
   • B.Storming
   • C.Norming
   • D.Performing
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. Storming

   The storming stage is marked by conflict, competition, and testing boundaries. Members begin to challenge group norms and each other, which is necessary for growth.

5. Question 5 · Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics

   A client requests access to their treatment records. What is the social worker’s most appropriate action?
   • A.Provide access unless there’s a clinical reason to restrict it
   • B.Deny access to maintain confidentiality
   • C.Refer the request to a legal team
   • D.Ask the client to submit a court order
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: A. Provide access unless there’s a clinical reason to restrict it

   Clients generally have the right to access their own records. Access may be limited only if reviewing them would cause serious harm to the client or others.

6. Question 6 · Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment

   Which of the following best characterizes the sensorimotor stage in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development?
   • A.Symbolic thinking and pretend play
   • B.Logical reasoning about concrete events
   • C.Understanding the world through sensory experiences and motor actions
   • D.Abstract reasoning and hypothesis testing
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: C. Understanding the world through sensory experiences and motor actions

   In the sensorimotor stage (birth to about 2 years), infants learn about the world through their senses and movements. Object permanence is a key milestone in this stage.

7. Question 7 · Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment

   Which of the following best defines psychological dependence?
   • A.Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms
   • B.A mental craving for the effects of a substance
   • C.Needing increasing amounts to feel “normal”
   • D.Detoxifying the body from a substance
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. A mental craving for the effects of a substance

   Psychological dependence involves emotional or mental preoccupation with a substance, characterized by cravings and the compulsion to use, even without physical symptoms.

8. Question 8 · Assessment and Intervention Planning

   Which research method involves studying one individual in depth over time?
   • A.Survey
   • B.Case study
   • C.Experimental design
   • D.Longitudinal cohort
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. Case study

   A case study offers rich qualitative data on a single subject or small group, often used in clinical settings to understand unique or complex phenomena.

9. Question 9 · Interventions with Clients/client Systems

   Which of the following best describes the “norming” stage of group development?
   • A.Members withdraw from the group and become passive
   • B.Members focus on group goals and establish cooperation
   • C.Members challenge the leader and struggle for power
   • D.Members complete their objectives and disband
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. Members focus on group goals and establish cooperation

   In the norming stage, group members begin to develop trust, establish norms, and work collaboratively toward shared goals.

10. Question 10 · Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics

    A client reveals they plan to harm someone but has not given specific details. What is the most appropriate action for the social worker?
    • A.Assess the seriousness of the threat and consult with a supervisor
    • B.Immediately notify the potential victim
    • C.Ignore it unless a clear plan is disclosed
    • D.Document it and take no further action
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: A. Assess the seriousness of the threat and consult with a supervisor

    When threats of harm arise, social workers must conduct a risk assessment and seek supervision or legal consultation to determine duty to warn or protect.

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