SW Dictionary

Question 1

Absolute poverty

Answer 1

The lack of income and/or assets which prevents one from obtaining a subsistence level of functioning

Question 2

Attachment disorder

Answer 2

Inability to form emotional bonds with caretakers, often the results of negative early childhood experiences.

Question 3

Behavioral model

Answer 3

The practice theory / model based on learning theory which focuses on the process of shaping and changing behavior through the use of rewards and reinforcement

Question 4

Behavioral rehearsal

Answer 4

Demonstration of a desired behavior by a social worker or therapist, followed by role play and rehearsal of the behavior which can then be employed in real life settings and situations

Question 5

Behavioral theory

Answer 5

Orienting / explanatory theory in which human behavior and development are seen as responses to antecedent stimuli and consequences, both positive and negative

Question 6

Benign neglect

Answer 6

Withholding help based on a belief that harm may be caused by providing such help

Question 7

Bio-psycho-social theory

Answer 7

Orienting / explanatory theory about how holistic theory of human development that attempts to explain the ways in which biological, psychological, and social development are interactive in terms of influencing development

Question 8

Brawner Rule

Answer 8

The standard by which a person is deemed to be not guilty by reason of insanity, including the inability to behave in accordance with law or understand that his/her conduct is wrong

Question 9

Brief therapy

Answer 9

Psychotherapy practiced for a limited number of sessions and with clear goals and objectives

Question 10

Capacity building

Answer 10

Process of developing the abilities, attributes, resources and will to set and reach goals by a client, group, organization, or community

Question 11

Case finding

Answer 11

Process of seeking out persons eligible to receive services provided by an agency, often done through outreach activities

Question 12

Chaos theory

Answer 12

Orienting / explanatory theory that describes how rapid and sudden changes may occur in social systems, may appear to be chaotic and random, but may be the result of positive feedback loops (both positive and negative) and change efforts that suddenly impact the entire social system and creative change

Question 13

Classism

Answer 13

Negative stereotyping about people based on their socioeconomic status

Question 14

Client - Micro

Answer 14

Individual or family which is seeking or being provided social services

Question 15

Client - Mezzo

Answer 15

Group, organization or community that is seeking or being provided social services

Question 16

Client - Macro

Answer 16

Society, social policy, social change, or research as the entity being
served or targeted

Question 17

Client centered model

Answer 17

The model of social work practice that assumes clients are capable of dealing with their problems in social functioning, and in which the social worker partners with the client to encourage him/her to take the lead in devising interventions

Question 18

Closed System

Answer 18

A social system that is not open to feedback or input from other sources, has rigid boundaries, is self-contained, and tends to resist change

Question 19

Cognitive behavioral model

Answer 19

The practice theory / model based on behaviorism and social learning theory that helps clients recognize the impact of self-defeating or erroneous cognitive beliefs or perceptions on their behavior

Question 20

Cognitive restructuring

Answer 20

The therapeutic process of assisting an individual to see cognitive errors and self-defeating beliefs and develops more positive thoughts and beliefs

Question 21

Competency

Answer 21

Possession of the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for social work practice, as measured against the University of Montana School of Social Work Competency Catalogue, NASW standards for practice, and the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policies and Academic Standards core competencies.

Question 22

Conflict theory

Answer 22

Orienting / explanatory theory which states that individuals and social systems are often in conflict, and this conflict between and within families, groups, communities and other social systems impacts human behavior and development

Question 23

Consensus approach

Answer 23

The process of coming to agreement about issues and approaches for dealing with them. Arising from the feminist perspective on social work practice, consensus organizations are those which commit to consensus, in at least a general sense, in order to share power and commit to a course of action as a group.

Question 24

Conservatism

Answer 24

The political belief in traditional values, societal structures and mores that commonly lead to a commitment to decreasing governmental influence in and funding for public issues and programs

Question 25

Counter-transference

Answer 25

Emotional reactions by a professional toward a client that originate in the professional’s personal experience, and which may be projected onto a client

Question 26

Crisis intervention model

Answer 26

The practice theory / model which focuses on helping clients deal with overwhelming crisis situations by drawing upon their strengths and resources to get them through the crisis and return to a normal level of functioning, and in which a professional may take a more directive role because of the client’s inability to proceed

Question 27

Crisis theory

Answer 27

Orienting / explanatory theory about how individuals and families who experience significant crises may exhibit fairly predictable behaviors, responses and patterns of recovery

Question 28

Critical theory

Answer 28

The orienting / explanatory theory that critiques positivism as the only accepted way of knowing, questions underlying assumptions of individual, theoretical and scientific understandings, recognizes structural and political contributors to social problems and oppression, and suggests that personal choice and power can transform the social environment

Question 29

Cultural Theory

Answer 29

Orienting / explanatory theory about how individuals and groups which experience oppression or discrimination will be impacted in their development by these experiences, both positively and negatively

Question 30

Culture of Poverty

Answer 30

The belief that poverty is perpetuated because poor people’s values, experiences, and motivations prevent them from becoming financially independent.