Table of Contents
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
About the Examination
10 Things That You Should Know About the ASWB Examinations
Test-Taking Strategies
10 Essential Strategies for Study Success
20 Tips You Need to Use to Answer Questions Correctly
Assessing Examination Difficulties
Dealing with Test Anxiety
Examination Content
Visual Learners
Auditory Learners
Kinesthetic or Hands-On Learners
Self-Assessment
Unit I. Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment (18%)
1. Models of Human Growth and Development Throughout the Lifespan
Theories of Human Growth and Development Through the Lifespan
The Psychosocial Model
Ego Psychology
Feminist Theory
Psychodynamic Theory
Personality Theory
Family Systems Theory
Biological
Behavioral
Psychodynamic
Humanist
Trait
Psychoanalytic Theory
Systems Theory
Addiction Theories
Conflict Theory
Indicators of Normal Physical Growth and Development Through the Lifespan
Child Behavior and Development
Adolescent Behavior and Development
Young Adult Behavior and Development
Middle Adult Behavior and Development
Older Adult Behavior and Development
The Impact of Physical, Mental, and Cognitive Disabilities on Human Development Through the Lifespan
The Normal Life Crises
Emotional Development
Normal Sexual Development
Gerontology
The Concept of Attachment and Bonding
Basic Human Needs
The Adult Learning Process
Human Genetics
2. Models of Functioning of Various Systems
The Effects of Family Dynamics on Individuals
Family Life Cycle
Abnormal and Normal Functioning in Traditional and Nontraditional Families
Models of Organizational Development
Models of Group Development
Models of Community Development
Models of Couples Development
3. Effects of the Environment on Systems Behavior
Normal and Abnormal Behavior
Systems
Conflict
Rational Choice
Social Constructionist
Psychodynamic
Developmental
Social Behavioral
Humanistic Perspective
The Socialization Process
The Interplay of Biological, Psychological, and Social Factors
Social Development
The Impact of Environment on Individuals
The Indicators of Psychosocial Stress
The Impact of Economic Status
The Effects of Social Role on Self-Image
The Impact of Poverty on Individuals, Families, Organizations, and Communities
The Effects of Social Role on Relationships
The Effects of Addictive Behavior on Relationships
The Effects of Defense Mechanisms on Relationships
The Dynamics of Work Relationships
The Dynamics of Domestic and Other Violence in Relationships
Theories of Crisis Intervention
4. Diversity, Discrimination, and Stereotypes
The Influence of Culture, Race, Religion/Spirituality, and/or Ethnicity on Behaviors and Attitudes
White American
American Indian/Alaska Native
Asian
African American
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Hispanic/Latino
The Influence of Sexual Orientation, Gender, and/or Gender Identification on Behaviors and Attitudes
The Influence of Age and/or Disability on Behaviors and Attitudes
The Effects of Discrimination Based on Culture, Race, Religion/Spirituality and/or Ethnicity
The Effects of Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender, and/or Gender Identification
The Effects of Discrimination Based on Age and/or Disability
The Relationship between Self-Image and Cultural Heritage
The Different and Similar Characteristics of Cultural, Racial, Religious and/or Ethnic Groups
The Different and Similar Characteristics Related to Sexual Orientation, Gender, and/or Gender Identification
The Different and Similar Characteristics of Age Groups and Types of Disability
Stereotypes
The Impact of Diversity in Styles of Communicating
Unit II. Micro Assessment and Planning (22%)
5. Use of Assessment Instruments and Methods
Psychological and Educational Tests and Measurements
Beck Depression Inventory
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Rorschach Inkblot Test
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
Thematic Apperception Test
Wechsler Intelligence Scale
The Use of Assessment/Diagnosis Instruments in Practice
The Components and Function of the Mental Status Examination
The Process Used in Problem Formulation
The Methods of Involving the Client and/or Systems in Identifying the Problem
The Principles and Techniques of Interviewing
The Methods Used to Assess the Client’s Communication Skills
The Methods Used to Assess Motivation and Resistance
The Methods Used to Assess Needed Level of Care
6. Use of Social History
The Components of a Biopsychosocial History
The Types of Information Available from Employment, Medical Psychological, and School Records
The Methods Used to Collect and Evaluate Collateral Information
The Methods Used to Obtain Information Relevant to a Given Situation
The Components of a Sexual History
The Components of a Marital History
The Components of a Family History
Basic Medical Terminology
The Exploration of Spiritual/Religious Beliefs and Practices
7. Impact of Life Stressors on Systems
The Effects of Life Stressors on Families
The Effects of Stressors on Behavior
The Impact of Physical and Mental Illness on Family Dynamics
The Dynamics of Loss, Separation, and Grief
The Impact of Aging Parents on Adult Children
The Factors of Child Development
The Psychological Responses to Illness and Disability
The Effects of Addiction on Individuals, Families, Organizations, and Communities
The Impact of Economic Change on Individuals, Families, Organizations, and Communities
The Effects of Physical, Sexual and Psychological Abuse on Individuals, Families, Organizations, and Communities
The Impact of Life Cycle Changes on Systems
The Effects of Life Crises on Individuals
The Effects of Life Crises on the Family
The Impact on Clients of Out-of-Home Displacement (e.g. Hospitalization, Jail, Foster Care, Natural Disaster, Etc.)
The Impact of Defense Mechanisms on Behavior
8. Intervention Planning
Criteria Used in Selecting Intervention/Treatment Modalities
The Components of and Methods Used to Develop an Intervention/Treatment or Service Plan
The Effect of the Client’s Developmental Level on the Creation of an Intervention/Treatment Plan
Permanency Planning
Methods Used to Develop Measurable Objectives to Assess Client Change
The Client’s Role in the Intervention Process
The Methods Used to Develop Behavioral Objectives
The Methods Used to Formulate a Time Frame for Interventions
The Methods Used to Identify Learning Needs for Clients
9. Assessment of Strengths and Challenges
The Methods Used to Assess Clients’ Strengths and Challenges
The Factors Used in Determining the Client’s Ability to Use Intervention/Treatment
The Methods Used in Assessing Ego Strength
The Indicators of Motivation and Resistance
10. Identification of Common Indicators of Risks and Disorders
The Effects of Body Image on Self-Image
The Indicators of Somatization
The Indicators of Malingering
Use of the Current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
Psychopathology
The Symptoms of Mental and Emotional Illness
The Symptoms of Neurologic and Organic Processes
Some Common Neurologic Symptoms
The Symptoms of Substance Abuse and Other Addictions
Signs of Drug Use
The Indicators of Sexual Dysfunction
The Dynamics and Indicators of Neglect and Physical, Psychological, and Sexual Abuse
The Characteristics of Perpetrators of Abuse and Neglect
The Indicators of Client Danger to Self and Others
The Methods Used to Assess the Client’s Communication Skills
The Use of Observation to Assess Client Interactions
The Ways in Which the Client’s Behavior with a Social Worker is Representative of His/Her Relationship Patterns
Common Psychotropic and Non-Psychotropic Prescriptions and Over the Counter Medications and their Side Effects
Antipsychotics
Antimanic Agents (Mood Stabilizers)
Antidepressants
Antianxiety Drugs
Stimulants
Non-Psychotropic Prescriptions
Other Commonly Prescribed Medications
Unit III. Micro Practice and Social Work Relationships (18%)
11. Application of Theories, Methods, and Processes to Micro Systems
The Problem-solving Model
The Crisis Intervention/Treatment Approach
Task Centered Practice
Behavioral Approaches
The Selection on Theoretical Approaches to Meet Client Need
Psychotherapies
Short-term Interventions/Treatment
Client Advocacy
The Methods Used in Working with the Unmotivated or Involuntary Client
Case Management
The Use of Permanency Planning as an Intervention/Treatment Method
The Phases of Intervention/Treatment
The Indicators of Client Readiness for Termination
The Methods of Conflict Resolution
Small Group Theories
Other Intervention/Treatment Strategies
12. Micro Intervention Techniques
The Use of Partializing, Supporting, Focusing, Clarifying, Confronting, Interpreting, and Reflecting
The Techniques Used to Motivate Clients
The Techniques Used to Develop Contracts with Clients
The Techniques Used to Clarify the Responsibilities of the Client
The Use of Goal-Setting
Change Strategies
The Techniques Used to Teach Skills to Clients
The Differential Use of Intervention/Treatment Techniques
Client Self-Monitoring Techniques
The Use of Timing in Intervention/Treatment
The Technique of Role Play
Role-modeling Techniques
The Techniques Used for Follow-up
Stress Management Techniques
Limit Setting
The Process Used to Refer Clients for Services
The Approaches to Family Therapy
Use of Clients’ Strengths
Couples Intervention/Treatment Approaches
Group Dynamics
The Approaches to Social Group Work
The Approaches to Group Psychotherapy
The Differential Use of Group Process
The Techniques for Developing and Maintaining Group Cohesion
The Process of Co-Therapy
The Concept of Congruence in Communication
The Methods Used in Summarizing Communication
Verbal and nonverbal Communication Techniques
Techniques that Elicit the Underlying Meaning of Communication
The Methods Used to Obtain and Provide Feedback
13. Dynamics of the Social Worker-Client Relationship
The Process of Engagement in Social Work Practice
The Social Worker’s Role in the Change Process
The Concept of Empathy
The Concept of a Helping Relationship
The Use of Acceptance
The Methods Used to Clarify the Role of the Social Worker
The Principles of Relationship Building
Professional objectivity in the Social Worker-Client Relationship
The Concept of Transference and Countertransference
The Components of the Social Worker-Client Relationship
The Use of the Social Worker-Client Relationship as an Intervention/Treatment Tool
The Effects of the Client’s Developmental Level on the Social Worker-Client Relationship
The Influence of the Social Worker’s Own Values on the Social Worker-Client relationship
The Dynamics of Power and Transparency in the Helping Relationship
The Dynamics of Diversity in the Helping Relationship
The Dynamics of Domestic and Other Violence in the Helping Relationship
14. Application of Evidence-Based Practices
The Techniques Used to Evaluate a Client’s Progress
Techniques Used to Measure the Effectiveness of the Social Work Intervention
Utilization of Research Results in Practice
Applying Evidence-Based Practices to Current Programs
Unit IV. Macro Practice (18%)
15. Research Methods and Design
The Methods of Data Collection
The Difference Between Quantitative and Qualitative Data
Data Analysis Procedures
The Methods Used to Evaluate Research Instruments
The Methods Used to Assess Reliability and Validity in Social Work Research
Social Work Research Designs
Types of Research
Single-Subject Research
Appropriate Uses of Statistical Data
Research Ethics (e.g. Institutional Review Boards, Use of Human Subjects, Informed Consent)
16. Program Evaluation and Outcomes
The Methods Used to Evaluate Agency Programs
Assessment/Diagnosis Instruments Used to Evaluate Social Work Practice
The Effects of Program Evaluation Findings on Services
Accreditation and Program Reviews
Determination of Appropriate Evaluation Tools
17. Recording Keeping and Reporting
Written Communication Skills
Case Recording and Record Keeping
The Use of Appropriate Documentation and Correspondence in Service Delivery
The Management of Agency/Practice Records
18. Program Development and Service Delivery Systems
The Types of Service Delivery Programs/Systems
The Methods Used to Clarify the Benefits and Limitations of Resources
The Methods Used to Interpret and Communicate Policies and Procedures
The Development of Programs and Services to Meet Community Needs
The Methods Used to Establish Service Networks or Community Resources
The Effects of Agency Policies, Regulation, and Function on Service Delivery
The Methods of Conducting a Needs Assessment
Establishing Program Objectives and Outcomes
19. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Elements of a Case Presentation
Range or Expertise of Professions Other than Social Work
The Use of Collaterals to Obtain Relevant Information
The Approaches Used in Consultation
The Use of Networking
The Process for Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The Methods Used to Coordinate Services Between Service Providers or Agencies
The Multidisciplinary Team Approach
The Use of Informal and Formal Power Structures
The Use of Advocacy Among Agencies and Disciplines
20. Policy Analysis and Advocacy
Interpreting Legislation to Clients
The Impact of Social Welfare Legislation on Social Work Practice
Social Policy Processes and Analysis
Legislative Advocacy
The Methods of Advocacy for Policy and/or Procedural Change
The Methods of Advocacy for Resources to Meet Client Needs
The Methods of Advocacy for Policies and Services Sensitive to Ethnic and Cultural Differences
The Methods of Advocacy for Policies to Eliminate Discriminatory Practices
The Policy Implications of Research Findings
21. Theories and Methods of Social Change
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Prevention Strategies
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Tertiary Prevention
The Concept of Citizen Participation
Community Organization and Development Methods
Community Resources
Community Outreach and Advocacy
Social Planning Methods
The Impact of Social Institutions on Society
Family
Religion
Government
Education
Economics
The Theories of Social Change
22. Administration and Management
The Impact of Agency Policy and Procedures on Social Work Practice
Leadership and Management Techniques
Time Management Approaches
Formal and Informal Organizational Structure
The Elements of Caseload Management
The Use of Delegation as a Technique
The Methods Used to Plan and Assign Work for Staff
The Concept of Authority and Responsibility
The Models for Interpreting Agency Policies and Procedures to Staff
The Components of a Collegial and Positive Work Environment
Fiscal Management Techniques
The Budgetary Process
Governance Structures
The Methods Used for Strategic Planning
Employee Recruitment, Training, Retention, Performance Appraisal, Evaluation, and Discipline
23. Supervision and Consultation
The Stages of Professional Development
The Educational Components, Techniques, and Methods of Supervision
The Models of Group Supervision
The Models of Peer Supervision and Consultation
Psychodynamic Model
Developmental Model
Role-Centered Model
The Methods Used to Identify Learning Needs and Develop Learning Objectives for Supervisees
Transference and Countertransference Within Supervisory Relationships
The Social Worker’s Responsibility to Seek and Receive Appropriate Supervision
Student/Supervisee Characteristics and Suitability for the Profession
The Use of Case Recording/Documentation for Practice Evaluation or Supervision
24. Risk Management
Systems of Internal Controls that Minimize Risk for Clients, Workers, and the Agency
The Methods to Create, Implement, and Evaluate Policies and Procedures that Minimize Risk for Clients, Workers, and the Agency
The Social Worker’s Responsibility to Respond to Client and/or Community Concerns
The Policy Implications of Risk Management
Methods to Manage Critical Incidents, Including Debriefing for Clients and Staff
Unit IV. Professional Values and Ethics (24%)
25. Values, Boundaries, and Ethics
The Effects of Differences in Values Influenced by Culture, Political Beliefs, Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Age, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Religion/Spirituality
Intrinsic Worth and Value of the Individual
Professional Boundary Issues
Dual Relationships
Identification and Resolution of Ethical Dilemmas
Essential Steps in Ethical Problem-Solving
Ethical and Legal Issues
Medical Issues
Ethical Issues in Supervision and Management
26. Confidentiality
Legal and Ethical Issues Regarding Confidentiality, Including Electronic Information
The Use of Client Records
Ethical and Legal Issues Regarding Mandatory Reporting of Abuse
The Process of Obtaining Informed Consent
27. Self-Determination
The Circumstances Under Which Clients Have the Right to Refuse Services
Individual, Group, Organization, and Community Self-Determination
The Limits to Self-Determination
Clients’ Rights and Grievance Procedures
28. Professional Responsibilities for Ethical Practice
The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility as a Professional
The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Broader Society
The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to the Social Work Profession
The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility in Practice Settings
The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues
