EDCO 820 ASSESSMENT IN MARITAL &
FAMILY COUNSELING. EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. In a genogram, what does a horizontal zigzag line typically represent between two family
members?
A. A high-conflict or discordant relationship
B. A close or fused relationship
C. A distant or estranged relationship
D. A physical or sexual abuse dynamic
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In standardized genogram notation, a zigzag line is used to
denote conflict or discord between individuals.
2. The FACES IV instrument is based on which theoretical framework?
A. Structural Family Therapy Theory
B. The McMaster Model of Family Functioning
C. The Beavers Systems Model
D. The Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: FACES IV (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales)
is the primary tool used to measure the dimensions of the Circumplex Model: cohesion and
flexibility.
3. Which subscale of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) is designed to
measure the overall level of dissatisfaction in the relationship?
A. Affective Communication (AFC)
B. Disagreement About Finances (FIN)
C. Problem-Solving Communication (PSC)
D. Global Distress (GDS)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Global Distress Scale (GDS) is the best indicator of a
respondent’s overall dissatisfaction with the relationship.
4. When assessing differentiation of self according to Bowenian theory, a person with a low
level of differentiation is most likely to:
A. Maintain an autonomous identity while remaining emotionally connected
B. Use logical reasoning to navigate interpersonal conflicts
C. Experience high levels of chronic anxiety and emotional reactivity
D. Display a clear boundary between their intellectual and emotional systems
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lower differentiation results in higher emotional reactivity and
a tendency to become ‘fused’ or overwhelmed by the family’s emotional system.
5. Which psychometric property refers to the extent to which an assessment tool measures
all facets of a given construct?
A. Criterion-related validity
B. Test-retest reliability
C. Content validity
D. Construct validity
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Content validity ensures that the items in an instrument
adequately represent the entire domain of the construct being measured.
6. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) evaluates four dimensions of a relationship. Which of
the following is NOT one of those dimensions?
A. Dyadic Consensus
B. Dyadic Satisfaction
C. Dyadic Cohesion
D. Dyadic Communication
Answer: D
FAMILY COUNSELING. EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. In a genogram, what does a horizontal zigzag line typically represent between two family
members?
A. A high-conflict or discordant relationship
B. A close or fused relationship
C. A distant or estranged relationship
D. A physical or sexual abuse dynamic
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In standardized genogram notation, a zigzag line is used to
denote conflict or discord between individuals.
2. The FACES IV instrument is based on which theoretical framework?
A. Structural Family Therapy Theory
B. The McMaster Model of Family Functioning
C. The Beavers Systems Model
D. The Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: FACES IV (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales)
is the primary tool used to measure the dimensions of the Circumplex Model: cohesion and
flexibility.
3. Which subscale of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) is designed to
measure the overall level of dissatisfaction in the relationship?
A. Affective Communication (AFC)
B. Disagreement About Finances (FIN)
C. Problem-Solving Communication (PSC)
D. Global Distress (GDS)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Global Distress Scale (GDS) is the best indicator of a
respondent’s overall dissatisfaction with the relationship.
4. When assessing differentiation of self according to Bowenian theory, a person with a low
level of differentiation is most likely to:
A. Maintain an autonomous identity while remaining emotionally connected
B. Use logical reasoning to navigate interpersonal conflicts
C. Experience high levels of chronic anxiety and emotional reactivity
D. Display a clear boundary between their intellectual and emotional systems
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lower differentiation results in higher emotional reactivity and
a tendency to become ‘fused’ or overwhelmed by the family’s emotional system.
5. Which psychometric property refers to the extent to which an assessment tool measures
all facets of a given construct?
A. Criterion-related validity
B. Test-retest reliability
C. Content validity
D. Construct validity
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Content validity ensures that the items in an instrument
adequately represent the entire domain of the construct being measured.
6. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) evaluates four dimensions of a relationship. Which of
the following is NOT one of those dimensions?
A. Dyadic Consensus
B. Dyadic Satisfaction
C. Dyadic Cohesion
D. Dyadic Communication
Answer: D
