MSW Final Exam / Master of Social Work Final test;
answered latest 2026/2027, A+ guide.
Systems Theory - answers>A system is a whole
comprising component parts that work together. Applied
to social work, systems theory views human behavior
through larger contexts, such as members of families,
communities, and broader society. Important to this
theory is the concept that when one thing changes within
a system, the whole system is affected. Systems tend
toward equilibrium and can have closed or open
boundaries.
Apgar PhD LSW ACSW, Dr. Dawn (2015-05-11). Social
Work ASWB Masters Exam Guide: A Comprehensive
Study Guide for Success (p. 43). Springer Publishing
Company. Kindle Edition.
Systems Theory Applications to Social Work - answers>1.
Social workers need to understand interactions between
the micro, meso, and macro levels.
[Date] 1
,2. Problems at one part of a system may be manifested at
another.
3. Ecomaps and genograms can help to understand
system dynamics.
4. Understanding "person-in-environment" is essential to
identifying barriers or opportunities for change.
5. Problems and change are viewed within larger
contexts.
Apgar PhD LSW ACSW, Dr. Dawn (2015-05-11). Social
Work ASWB Masters Exam Guide: A Comprehensive
Study Guide for Success (pp. 43-44). Springer Publishing
Company. Kindle Edition.
Some System Theory Terms - answers>Closed system-
uses up its energy and dies
Differentiation- becoming specialized in structure and
function
Entropy- closed, disorganized, stagnant; using up
available energy
[Date] 2
,Equifinality- arriving at the same end from different
beginnings
homeostasis steady state
Input- obtaining resources from the environment that are
necessary to attain the goals of the system
Negative entropy- exchange of energy and resources
between systems that promote growth and
transformation
Open system a system with cross-boundary exchange
Output- product of the system that exports to the
environment
Subsystem- a major component of a system made up of
two or more interdependent components that interact in
order to attain their own purpose( s) and the purpose( s)
of the system in which they are embedded
Suprasystem- an entity that is served by a number of
component systems organized in interacting relationships
throughput energy that is integrated into the system so it
can be used by the system to accomplish its goals
[Date] 3
, Apgar PhD LSW ACSW, Dr. Dawn (2015-05-11). Social
Work ASWB Masters Exam Guide: A Comprehensive
Study Guide for Success (p. 44). Springer Publishing
Company. Kindle Edition.
The eight interlocking concepts of Bowen Theory include:
- answers>1) Differentiation of Self
2) Triangles
3) Nuclear Family Emotional Process
4) Family Projection Process
5) Emotional Cutoff
6) Multigenerational Transmission Process
7) Sibling Position
8) Societal Emotional Process.
FAMILY THEORIES - answers>Family theory provides a
theoretical and therapeutic base for dealing with family-
related situations; it is also useful in understanding and
managing individual problems by determining the extent
to which such problems are related to family issues. A
family systems approach argues that in order to
[Date] 4
answered latest 2026/2027, A+ guide.
Systems Theory - answers>A system is a whole
comprising component parts that work together. Applied
to social work, systems theory views human behavior
through larger contexts, such as members of families,
communities, and broader society. Important to this
theory is the concept that when one thing changes within
a system, the whole system is affected. Systems tend
toward equilibrium and can have closed or open
boundaries.
Apgar PhD LSW ACSW, Dr. Dawn (2015-05-11). Social
Work ASWB Masters Exam Guide: A Comprehensive
Study Guide for Success (p. 43). Springer Publishing
Company. Kindle Edition.
Systems Theory Applications to Social Work - answers>1.
Social workers need to understand interactions between
the micro, meso, and macro levels.
[Date] 1
,2. Problems at one part of a system may be manifested at
another.
3. Ecomaps and genograms can help to understand
system dynamics.
4. Understanding "person-in-environment" is essential to
identifying barriers or opportunities for change.
5. Problems and change are viewed within larger
contexts.
Apgar PhD LSW ACSW, Dr. Dawn (2015-05-11). Social
Work ASWB Masters Exam Guide: A Comprehensive
Study Guide for Success (pp. 43-44). Springer Publishing
Company. Kindle Edition.
Some System Theory Terms - answers>Closed system-
uses up its energy and dies
Differentiation- becoming specialized in structure and
function
Entropy- closed, disorganized, stagnant; using up
available energy
[Date] 2
,Equifinality- arriving at the same end from different
beginnings
homeostasis steady state
Input- obtaining resources from the environment that are
necessary to attain the goals of the system
Negative entropy- exchange of energy and resources
between systems that promote growth and
transformation
Open system a system with cross-boundary exchange
Output- product of the system that exports to the
environment
Subsystem- a major component of a system made up of
two or more interdependent components that interact in
order to attain their own purpose( s) and the purpose( s)
of the system in which they are embedded
Suprasystem- an entity that is served by a number of
component systems organized in interacting relationships
throughput energy that is integrated into the system so it
can be used by the system to accomplish its goals
[Date] 3
, Apgar PhD LSW ACSW, Dr. Dawn (2015-05-11). Social
Work ASWB Masters Exam Guide: A Comprehensive
Study Guide for Success (p. 44). Springer Publishing
Company. Kindle Edition.
The eight interlocking concepts of Bowen Theory include:
- answers>1) Differentiation of Self
2) Triangles
3) Nuclear Family Emotional Process
4) Family Projection Process
5) Emotional Cutoff
6) Multigenerational Transmission Process
7) Sibling Position
8) Societal Emotional Process.
FAMILY THEORIES - answers>Family theory provides a
theoretical and therapeutic base for dealing with family-
related situations; it is also useful in understanding and
managing individual problems by determining the extent
to which such problems are related to family issues. A
family systems approach argues that in order to
[Date] 4
