ADVANCED ASSESSMENT IN MARITAL
AND FAMILY THERAPY (EDCO 820)
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which concept refers to the family’s ability to maintain a steady state despite changes in
the environment?
A. Morphogenesis
B. Homeostasis
C. Equifinality
D. Negative Feedback Loop
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Homeostasis is the tendency of a system to remain in a state of
equilibrium. While negative feedback loops maintain homeostasis, the state itself is
homeostasis.
2. In a genogram, what does a double line between two individuals typically signify?
A. An overly close or enmeshed relationship
B. A conflictual relationship
,C. A distant relationship
D. A physical separation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Standard genogram notation uses double lines to represent
enmeshment or an overly close relationship, whereas jagged lines indicate conflict.
3. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to measure the three dimensions of the
Circumplex Model: cohesion, flexibility, and communication?
A. Family Environment Scale
B. Dyadic Adjustment Scale
C. Marital Satisfaction Inventory
D. FACES IV
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: FACES IV (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales)
is the primary instrument for assessing the Circumplex Model’s dimensions.
4. When assessing for domestic violence, what is the most appropriate clinical procedure?
A. Interviewing the couple together to observe interactional dynamics.
B. Interviewing each partner individually to ensure safety and honesty.
C. Relying solely on the results of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale.
, D. Confronting the suspected perpetrator in front of the victim.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Due to safety risks and power imbalances, individual interviews
are standard for screening intimate partner violence.
5. Which scale on the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) measures the tendency
to describe the relationship in an unrealistically positive manner?
A. Global Distress Scale (GDS)
B. Affective Communication (AFC)
C. Conventionalization (CNV)
D. Problem-Solving Communication (PSC)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Conventionalization (CNV) scale is a validity scale that
identifies individuals distorting their responses to look better.
6. According to Bowen’s theory, the ‘Differentiation of Self Scale’ primarily assesses:
A. The degree of intellectual vs. emotional functioning.
B. The level of external social support.
C. The number of active triangles in a family.
D. The chronological age of the family members.
AND FAMILY THERAPY (EDCO 820)
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which concept refers to the family’s ability to maintain a steady state despite changes in
the environment?
A. Morphogenesis
B. Homeostasis
C. Equifinality
D. Negative Feedback Loop
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Homeostasis is the tendency of a system to remain in a state of
equilibrium. While negative feedback loops maintain homeostasis, the state itself is
homeostasis.
2. In a genogram, what does a double line between two individuals typically signify?
A. An overly close or enmeshed relationship
B. A conflictual relationship
,C. A distant relationship
D. A physical separation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Standard genogram notation uses double lines to represent
enmeshment or an overly close relationship, whereas jagged lines indicate conflict.
3. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to measure the three dimensions of the
Circumplex Model: cohesion, flexibility, and communication?
A. Family Environment Scale
B. Dyadic Adjustment Scale
C. Marital Satisfaction Inventory
D. FACES IV
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: FACES IV (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales)
is the primary instrument for assessing the Circumplex Model’s dimensions.
4. When assessing for domestic violence, what is the most appropriate clinical procedure?
A. Interviewing the couple together to observe interactional dynamics.
B. Interviewing each partner individually to ensure safety and honesty.
C. Relying solely on the results of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale.
, D. Confronting the suspected perpetrator in front of the victim.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Due to safety risks and power imbalances, individual interviews
are standard for screening intimate partner violence.
5. Which scale on the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) measures the tendency
to describe the relationship in an unrealistically positive manner?
A. Global Distress Scale (GDS)
B. Affective Communication (AFC)
C. Conventionalization (CNV)
D. Problem-Solving Communication (PSC)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Conventionalization (CNV) scale is a validity scale that
identifies individuals distorting their responses to look better.
6. According to Bowen’s theory, the ‘Differentiation of Self Scale’ primarily assesses:
A. The degree of intellectual vs. emotional functioning.
B. The level of external social support.
C. The number of active triangles in a family.
D. The chronological age of the family members.
