1|Page
NSG 527 Final Mod 10-12 Questions with 100% Correct
Answers
General Systems Theory - ANSWER "a system theory
constitutes a way of explaining a unit such as a family as it
relates to and interacts with other systems....it explain how
each variable affects the whole and how the whole affects each
part"
Concepts of the General Systems Theory - ANSWER System:
one unit in totality for analysis; interdependency; the structure
is the organization of the parts needed for effective function
and measurable outcomes.
Holism or Nonsummativity: the system is analyzed holistically
and not in individual parts
Interconnectedness: the system is interconnected with the
environment in which it exists
Social System: is a social organization with persons having
interactions with defined boundaries
Open System: all living systems must be interactive with the
environment
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Closed System: does not need interaction with the environment
to survive
Hierarchy of Systems: each unit has a hierarchy that transcends
from a higher-level to a lower-level system; an identified
system of study is called a target system of focal system.
Boundaries: are lines of demarcation from systems,
subsystems, and suprasystems; these boundaries can be porous
or flexible to allow more or less interaction between the system
and the environment.
Input: is received from the environment and affects survival; it
is the source of output in the system.
Output: occurs when a system monitors and processes its
output.
Feedback: ongoing monitoring of input and output in a system.
Self-Regulation, Homeostasis, Steady State, and Equilibrium:
self-regulation is a mechanism for managing the family's ability
to balance and control input; when this occurs there is
homeostasis, steady state and equilibrium.
Differentiation: this process occurs for growth and change to
occur; families need a balance of stability (morphostasis) and
change to grow as a unit.
Energy: increased energy is needed from the environment for
systems with increased activity; energy is necessary for
differentiation to occur.
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Application of the General Systems Theory Concepts to the
Family - ANSWER - Family: living social system; interdependent;
family members in a single unit for reaching mutual goals.
- Reciprocal Determinism of the Ripple Effect: the ripple effect
occurs when a significant stressor impacts one family member
and the effect "ripples" to the entire family unit; circular
causation.
- Nonsummativity: the family unit is "greater than the sum of its
parts"; a comprehensive assessment of the family includes all
components of the interrelatedness.
- Self-Reflexivity and Goal Seeking: families have an innate
sense to focus on their organizational structure and function
and then to set goals accordingly; communication is the key
methodology for ensuring success of this process.
- Hierarchy of Systems: Family as Focal System: the family has a
hierarchal structure with its members; this also extends to the
environment which encompasses institutions of the
suprasystem.
- Open, Closed and Random Family Systems: Open family-in an
open system with the environment; change is necessary and
desirable; boundaries are permeable in the family system.
Closed-family-social control; rigidity; change is a stressor to the
family Random-family-individual family members determine
their boundaries; family dynamics are in chaos
NSG 527 Final Mod 10-12 Questions with 100% Correct
Answers
General Systems Theory - ANSWER "a system theory
constitutes a way of explaining a unit such as a family as it
relates to and interacts with other systems....it explain how
each variable affects the whole and how the whole affects each
part"
Concepts of the General Systems Theory - ANSWER System:
one unit in totality for analysis; interdependency; the structure
is the organization of the parts needed for effective function
and measurable outcomes.
Holism or Nonsummativity: the system is analyzed holistically
and not in individual parts
Interconnectedness: the system is interconnected with the
environment in which it exists
Social System: is a social organization with persons having
interactions with defined boundaries
Open System: all living systems must be interactive with the
environment
,2|Page
Closed System: does not need interaction with the environment
to survive
Hierarchy of Systems: each unit has a hierarchy that transcends
from a higher-level to a lower-level system; an identified
system of study is called a target system of focal system.
Boundaries: are lines of demarcation from systems,
subsystems, and suprasystems; these boundaries can be porous
or flexible to allow more or less interaction between the system
and the environment.
Input: is received from the environment and affects survival; it
is the source of output in the system.
Output: occurs when a system monitors and processes its
output.
Feedback: ongoing monitoring of input and output in a system.
Self-Regulation, Homeostasis, Steady State, and Equilibrium:
self-regulation is a mechanism for managing the family's ability
to balance and control input; when this occurs there is
homeostasis, steady state and equilibrium.
Differentiation: this process occurs for growth and change to
occur; families need a balance of stability (morphostasis) and
change to grow as a unit.
Energy: increased energy is needed from the environment for
systems with increased activity; energy is necessary for
differentiation to occur.
, 3|Page
Application of the General Systems Theory Concepts to the
Family - ANSWER - Family: living social system; interdependent;
family members in a single unit for reaching mutual goals.
- Reciprocal Determinism of the Ripple Effect: the ripple effect
occurs when a significant stressor impacts one family member
and the effect "ripples" to the entire family unit; circular
causation.
- Nonsummativity: the family unit is "greater than the sum of its
parts"; a comprehensive assessment of the family includes all
components of the interrelatedness.
- Self-Reflexivity and Goal Seeking: families have an innate
sense to focus on their organizational structure and function
and then to set goals accordingly; communication is the key
methodology for ensuring success of this process.
- Hierarchy of Systems: Family as Focal System: the family has a
hierarchal structure with its members; this also extends to the
environment which encompasses institutions of the
suprasystem.
- Open, Closed and Random Family Systems: Open family-in an
open system with the environment; change is necessary and
desirable; boundaries are permeable in the family system.
Closed-family-social control; rigidity; change is a stressor to the
family Random-family-individual family members determine
their boundaries; family dynamics are in chaos
