Chapter 11: Small Groups

Test Bank

Multiple Choice

1. A collection of individuals who interact with each other, perceive themselves as belonging to a group, and are interdependent is generally defined as a ______.

a. neighborhood group

b. friendship group

c. task group

d. small group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Small Groups in Social Work

Difficulty Level: Easy

2. When the main purpose of a group is to assist individuals to resolve emotional and behavioral problems it is a ______.

a. therapy group

b. self-help group

c. task group

d. mutual aid group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Therapy Groups

Difficulty Level: Easy

3. When the main purpose of a group is to accomplish a specific end or to advocate around a particular social issue or problem, it is a ______.

a. therapy group

b. psychoeducational group

c. task group

d. mutual aid group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Task Groups

Difficulty Level: Easy

4. When the main purpose of a group is for the provision of information about an experience or problem it is a ______.

a. therapy group

b. self-help group

c. task group

d. psychoeducational group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Psychoeducational Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

5. When the main purpose of a group is to create a helping environment within the group milieu it is a ______.

a. therapy group

b. mutual aid group

c. self-help group

d. task group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Mutual Aid Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

6. When the main purpose of a group is to use the commonality of the problem or issue to build social support among members it is a ______.

a. therapy group

b. mutual aid group

c. task group

d. self-help group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Self-Help Groups

Difficulty Level: Easy

7. Bart attends the local AA group which focuses on the twelve-step program. This is an example of what kind of group?

a. self-help group

b. psychoeducational group

c. mutual aid group

d. therapy group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Self-Help Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

8. Melinda is a part of a local city committee to examine the possibility of building a homeless shelter. This is an example of what kind of group?

a. self-help group

b. psychoeducational group

c. mutual aid group

d. task group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Task Groups

Difficulty Level: Easy

9. Mary attended a one-time group meeting for family and friends of people in a drug rehabilitation center. She received information about the recovery process. This is an example of what kind of group?

a. self-help group

b. psychoeducational group

c. mutual aid group

d. task group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Psychoeducational Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

10. Gloria belongs to a time-limited group for cancer survivors, which is led by a cancer survivor. This is an example of what kind of group?

a. self-help group

b. psychoeducational group

c. mutual aid group

d. therapy group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Mutual Aid Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

11. Diana belongs to a women’s group for survivors of abuse, which is sponsored by the local Child and Family Support Center, to resolve her emotional trauma associated with an abusive experience. This is an example of what type of group?

a. self-help group

b. psychoeducational group

c. mutual aid group

d. therapy group

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Therapy Groups

Difficulty Level: Easy

12. A group which has a defined purpose and is developed through the efforts of outsiders represents the dimension of what kind of group structure?

a. formed group

b. open group

c. time-limited group

d. natural group

Learning Objective: 11-3: Summarize and give examples of three dimensions of group structure.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Dimensions of Group Structure

Difficulty Level: Easy

13. Groups that develop in a spontaneous manner on the basis of friendship or location represent the dimension of what kind of group structure?

a. formed group

b. open group

c. time-limited group

d. natural group

Learning Objective: 11-3: Summarize and give examples of three dimensions of group structure.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Dimensions of Group Structure

Difficulty Level: Easy

14. Groups where there is one set time for termination represent the dimension of what kind of group structure?

a. open group

b. ongoing group

c. time-limited group

d. closed group

Learning Objective: 11-3: Summarize and give examples of three dimensions of group structure.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Dimensions of Group Structure

Difficulty Level: Easy

15. Groups where there is no defined endpoint represent the dimension of what kind of group structure?

a. open group

b. ongoing group

c. time-limited group

d. closed group

Learning Objective: 11-3: Summarize and give examples of three dimensions of group structure.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Dimensions of Group Structure

Difficulty Level: Easy

16. A group that permits the addition of new members throughout the group's life is a(n) ______.

a. open group

b. ongoing group

c. time-limited group

d. closed group

Learning Objective: 11-3: Summarize and give examples of three dimensions of group structure.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Dimensions of Group Structure

Difficulty Level: Easy

17. A group that determines the minimum and maximum size of the group ahead of time is a(n) ______.

a. open group

b. ongoing group

c. time-limited group

d. closed group

Learning Objective: 11-3: Summarize and give examples of three dimensions of group structure.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Dimensions of Group Structure

Difficulty Level: Easy

18. A theory which asserts that social power is what determines who gets valued resources in groups and also influences people’s expectations of others’ abilities is ______.

a. self-categorization theory

b. group development theory

c. exchange theory

d. social identity theory

Learning Objective: 11-5: Analyze the potential usefulness for social work practice of five theories of group process: psychodynamic theory, symbolic interaction theory, status characteristics and expectation states theory, exchange theory, and self-categorization theory.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Exchange Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

19. ______ builds on social identity theory by suggesting that people divide the world into in-groups and out-groups and are more influenced by the in-groups to which they belong.

a. Self-categorization theory

b. Group development theory

c. Exchange theory

d. Social identity theory

Learning Objective: 11-5: Analyze the potential usefulness for social work practice of five theories of group process: psychodynamic theory, symbolic interaction theory, status characteristics and expectation states theory, exchange theory, and self-categorization theory.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Self-Categorization Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

20. Overall group development exhibits patterns of interactions that can be characterized as ______.

a. group development

b. group dynamics

c. group process

d. group power

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Group Dynamics

Difficulty Level: Medium

21. A group leader who facilitates problem-solving within the context of a group is referred to as a(n) ______.

a. mutual-aid leader

b. interpersonal leader

c. task-oriented leader

d. process-oriented leader

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Formal and Informal Leadership

Difficulty Level: Medium

22. A group leader who identifies and manages group relationships is referred to as a(n) ______.

a. mutual-aid leader

b. interpersonal leader

c. task-oriented leader

d. process-oriented leader

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Formal and Informal Leaders

Difficulty Level: Medium

23. A team that is composed of professionals representing a variety of disciplines is referred as a(n) ______.

a. task team

b. community team

c. interdisciplinary team

d. government team

Learning Objective: 11-7: Summarize the role of social workers in interdisciplinary teams.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Interdisciplinary Teams and Social Work

Difficulty Level: Easy

24. When considering group processes, which theory explains that people rely on their stereotypes of groups in understanding how individual members can help the group accomplish its goals?

a. status characteristics and expectation states theory

b. exchange theory

c. psychodynamic theory

d. self-categorization theory

Learning Objective: 11-5: Analyze the potential usefulness for social work practice of five theories of group process: psychodynamic theory, symbolic interaction theory, status characteristics and expectation states theory, exchange theory, and self-categorization theory.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Status Characteristics and Expectation States Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

25. Proponents of what type of leadership style require the leader to adapt his or her style to individual and group differences?

a. participatory leadership

b. situational leadership

c. laissez-faire leadership

d. authoritarian leadership

Learning Objective: 11-7: Summarize the role of social workers in interdisciplinary teams.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Social Workers and Leadership

Difficulty Level: Easy

26. The monopolist, the silent member, the boring member, the help-rejecting complainer are examples of what types of group members?

a. role diffuse members

b. fixed role members

c. problem members

d. none of these

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Formal and Informal Roles

Difficulty Level: Easy

27. What theory focuses on the relationship between the unconscious processes and the rational processes of interpersonal interaction?

a. self-categorization theory

b. status characteristics and expectation states theory

c. psychodynamic theory

d. symbolic interaction theory

Learning Objective: 11-5: Analyze the potential usefulness for social work practice of five theories of group process: psychodynamic theory, symbolic interaction theory, status characteristics and expectation states theory, exchange theory, and self-categorization theory.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Psychodynamic Theory

Difficulty Level: Easy

28. Two dimensions of group cohesiveness are ______.

a. task cohesion and social cohesion

b. heterogeneity and homogeneity

c. status and expectation

d. formal cohesion and informal cohesion

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Group Cohesiveness

Difficulty Level: Medium

True/False

1. Socialization is an important benefit of small groups.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Small Groups in Social Work

Difficulty Level: Easy

2. An example of a mutual aid group is a committee formed to examine low-income housing needs in a community.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Mutual Aid Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

3. Self-help groups are typically led by a trained clinician.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Self-Help Groups

Difficulty Level: Easy

4. A psychoeducational group focuses on the provision of information about an experience or problem.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Psychoeducational Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

5. Therapy groups are typically small in size, with sometimes six or fewer members.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Therapy Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

6. Task groups are generally run on a drop-in basis.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Task Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

7. Task-oriented leaders are skilled at facilitating problem-solving within the context of a group.

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Formal and Informal Leadership

Difficulty Level: Easy

8. Process-oriented leaders are skilled at identifying and managing group relationships.

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Formal and Informal Leadership

Difficulty Level: Medium

9. Communication networks are links that group members have outside of the group.

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Communication Networks

Difficulty Level: Medium

10. Interdisciplinary teams are generally composed of a variety of professional disciplines and may include consumers or clients.

Learning Objective: 11-7: Summarize the role of social workers in interdisciplinary teams.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Interdisciplinary Teams and Social Work

Difficulty Level: Easy

Essay

1. Describe the main purpose and leadership of a therapy group. Provide an example.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Therapy Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

2. Describe the main purpose and leadership of a mutual aid group. Provide an example.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Mutual Aid Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

3. Describe the main purpose and leadership of a task group. Provide an example.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Task Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

4. Compare and contrast the benefits of heterogeneity and homogeneity in a group.

Learning Objective: 11-4: Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of heterogeneity and homogeneity in group membership.

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Heterogeneity Versus Homogeneity

Difficulty Level: Hard

5. Briefly explain the importance of group cohesiveness.

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Group Cohesiveness

Difficulty Level: Medium

6. Define and explain the self-categorization theory.

Learning Objective: 11-5: Analyze the potential usefulness for social work practice of five theories of group process: psychodynamic theory, symbolic interaction theory, status characteristics and expectation states theory, exchange theory, and self-categorization theory.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Self-Categorization Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

7. Briefly explain the differences between stage models and process models of group development.

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Stage Theories and Models, Process Models

Difficulty Level: Hard

8. Briefly explain the different skills of a task-oriented leader and a process-oriented leader.

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Formal and Informal Leadership

Difficulty Level: Medium

9. Briefly explain how and when a psychoeducational group becomes therapeutic.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Psychoeducational Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

10. Why is symbolic interaction a useful theoretical perspective in understanding small group behavior?

Learning Objective: 11-5: Analyze the potential usefulness for social work practice of five theories of group process: psychodynamic theory, symbolic interaction theory, status characteristics and expectation states theory, exchange theory, and self-categorization theory.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Symbolic Interaction Theory

Difficulty Level: Hard

11. Briefly describe the history of group work in the United States.

Learning Objective: 11-2: Define small groups and identify some of their uses in social work practice.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Small Groups in Social Work

Difficulty Level: Hard

12. What are sociograms and why are they useful in understanding group behaviors?

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Communication Networks

Difficulty Level: Hard

13. Explain and discuss the concepts presented by each theory of group processes, including psychodynamic theory, status characteristics and expectation states theory, symbolic interaction theory, exchange theory, and self-categorization theory. Discuss these concepts in regards to the development, maintenance, and distribution of power and influence among group members.

Learning Objective: 11.5 Analyze the potential usefulness for social work practice of five theories of group process: psychodynamic theory, symbolic interaction theory, status characteristics and expectation states theory, exchange theory, and self-categorization theory.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Theories of Group Processes

Difficulty Level: Hard

14. What are important considerations social workers must give thought to when deciding whether to use virtual groups?

Learning Objective: 11-8: Apply knowledge of small groups to recommend guidelines, for social work engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Virtual Groups

Difficulty Level: Medium

15. Explain and discuss the importance of interdisciplinary teams and the role of a social worker on these teams. Discuss the characteristics of successful teams. Share an example of your own experience in working on a team and what made it successful or not successful.

Learning Objective: 11.7 Summarize the role of social workers in interdisciplinary teams.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Interdisciplinary Teams and Leadership

Difficulty Level: Hard

16. Explain, discuss, and define five of the therapeutic factors involved in group development. In your opinion, why are these therapeutic factors important for group development? How can these factors ensure successful outcomes?

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Process Models

Difficulty Level: Hard

17. Explain why stage models are inadequate for explaining how groups develop.

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Stage Theories and Models

Difficulty Level: Hard

18. Explain and discuss group dynamics including aspects of leadership, roles of group members, communication networks, and group cohesiveness. Why is it important for social workers to understand group dynamics?

Learning Objective: 11-6: Describe four characteristics of group dynamics.

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Group Dynamics

Difficulty Level: Hard