Which of the following is a primary characteristic of Erikson’s stage of "initiative vs. guilt"?

Beginning to plan and carry out activities

Which of the following best defines substance dependence?

A pattern of substance use leading to tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive behavior

Casual drug use with no consequences

Social drinking at public events

Occasional use of over-the-counter medications

Which of the following best defines evidence-based practice in social work?

Integrating research evidence, clinical expertise, and client values

Applying interventions based solely on client preference

Using personal beliefs to guide interventions

Following only the agency’s policies and procedures

Which of the following is a primary benefit of therapeutic group work?

Peer support and shared experiences

One-on-one attention from the facilitator

Fewer opportunities for client feedback

Which of the following is a primary role of supervision in social work?

Supporting professional development

Which of the following best describes the sensorimotor stage in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development?

Learning through senses and actions

Understanding abstract reasoning

Logical thinking about concrete events

In research, a hypothesis is defined as:

A testable prediction about relationships between variables

Which of the following is a typical advantage of group therapy?

Opportunity for shared support and feedback

Decreased client accountability

Which of the following is a key function of supervision in social work?

Enhancing professional development and ensuring ethical practice

Approving agency marketing plans

Social Work ASWB Masters

Free Social Work ASWB Masters Practice Questions

10 sample questions for the Social Work ASWB Masters, with the correct answer and an explanation for each. No account needed. Try each one before you open the answer.

Sections covered on the exam: Human Development, Diversity, And Behavior, Humangrowthanddevelopment, Humanbehaviorinthesocialenvironment, Practicescenario, Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment, Indicatorsofsubstanceabuse, Substanceuseandabuse, Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics, Assessment And Intervention Planning, Psychiatricdisordersanddiagnosis, Research, Interventions With Clients And Client, Therapeuticrelationshipsandcommunication, Interventions, Groupwork, Programdevelopmentandservicedelivery, Supportprograms, Supervisionandadministration, Professional Relationships, Values, And, Naswcodeofethics, Professionaldevelopmentandtheuseofself, Assessment and Intervention Planning, Interventions with Clients and Client Systems.

Question 1 · Human Development, Diversity, And Behavior
Which of the following is a primary characteristic of Erikson’s stage of "initiative vs. guilt"?
- A.Struggling with independence
- B.Beginning to plan and carry out activities
- C.Exploring identity
- D.Forming intimate relationships
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Beginning to plan and carry out activities
Erikson's "initiative vs. guilt" stage occurs during early childhood (ages 3–5), where children assert control and power over their environment through directing play and other social interactions.
Question 2 · Substanceuseandabuse
Which of the following best defines substance dependence?
- A.Casual drug use with no consequences
- B.Social drinking at public events
- C.Occasional use of over-the-counter medications
- D.A pattern of substance use leading to tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive behavior
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. A pattern of substance use leading to tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive behavior
Substance dependence describes repeated use despite harmful consequences, often with tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive use. The DSM-5-TR now places these features under substance use disorder.
Question 3 · Research
Which of the following best defines evidence-based practice in social work?
- A.Integrating research evidence, clinical expertise, and client values
- B.Applying interventions based solely on client preference
- C.Using personal beliefs to guide interventions
- D.Following only the agency’s policies and procedures
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Integrating research evidence, clinical expertise, and client values
Evidence-based practice involves combining the best available research, professional expertise, and the client’s preferences and culture for effective intervention.
Question 4 · Groupwork
Which of the following is a primary benefit of therapeutic group work?
- A.Reduced need for goal setting
- B.Peer support and shared experiences
- C.One-on-one attention from the facilitator
- D.Fewer opportunities for client feedback
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Peer support and shared experiences
Group work allows clients to connect with others facing similar challenges, fostering empathy, support, and normalization of their experiences.
Question 5 · Supervisionandadministration
Which of the following is a primary role of supervision in social work?
- A.Delivering direct services
- B.Supporting professional development
- C.Controlling client behavior
- D.Administering financial audits
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Supporting professional development
Supervision helps social workers reflect on their practice, develop skills, and ensure ethical and effective service delivery.
Question 6 · Human Development, Diversity, And Behavior
Which of the following best describes the sensorimotor stage in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development?
- A.Learning through senses and actions
- B.Understanding abstract reasoning
- C.Logical thinking about concrete events
- D.Mastery of language and logic
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Learning through senses and actions
In the sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years), infants learn about the world through direct sensory experiences and motor activities.
Question 7 · Substanceuseandabuse
Which of the following terms describes the body’s reduced response to a drug after repeated use?
- A.Tolerance
- B.Dependence
- C.Withdrawal
- D.Overdose
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Tolerance
Tolerance occurs when a person needs increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect due to regular use.
Question 8 · Research
In research, a hypothesis is defined as:
- A.A guess without evidence
- B.A fixed outcome
- C.A detailed literature review
- D.A testable prediction about relationships between variables
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. A testable prediction about relationships between variables
A hypothesis is a specific, testable statement that predicts the relationship between two or more variables, forming the basis for scientific research.
Question 9 · Groupwork
Which of the following is a typical advantage of group therapy?
- A.Decreased client accountability
- B.Opportunity for shared support and feedback
- C.Less therapist involvement
- D.Limited emotional disclosure
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Opportunity for shared support and feedback
Group therapy allows clients to learn from and support each other through shared experiences, helping normalize feelings and build coping skills.
Question 10 · Supervisionandadministration
Which of the following is a key function of supervision in social work?
- A.Diagnosing clients
- B.Managing building maintenance
- C.Approving agency marketing plans
- D.Enhancing professional development and ensuring ethical practice
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Enhancing professional development and ensuring ethical practice
Supervision supports the growth of social workers by offering guidance, skill development, and oversight of ethical decision-making.

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