Human Behavior: A Multidimensional Approach - Chapter 1-2 Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts from Part I (Chapters 1-2) of Hutchison's A Multidimensional Approach for Multifaceted Social Work.

What are the three dimensions that serve as the framework for studying human behavior in Hutchison's book?

Person, Environment, and Time (the multidimensional person-environment-time framework).

In Hutchison's framework, what does a 'dimension' refer to?

A feature that can be focused on separately but cannot be understood without considering the other dimensions; dimensions are interwoven and interdependent.

What is the stated purpose of the social work profession according to the 2015 CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards?

To promote human and community well-being, guided by a person-in-environment framework, a global perspective, respect for diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry, with a pursuit of social and economic justice, human rights, and environmental justice.

Name the eight theoretical perspectives introduced in Chapter 2.

Systems, Conflict, Exchange and Choice, Social Constructionist, Psychodynamic, Developmental, Behavioral, and Humanistic.

Bronfenbrenner's ecological perspective identifies how many levels of systems, and what are they called?

Five levels: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem.

What is defined as the Biological dimension in Exhibit 1.2?

The body's biochemical, cellular, and physiological systems (nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and related bodily systems).

What is defined as the Psychological dimension in Exhibit 1.2?

The mind and the mental processes (cognition, emotion, self, identity).

What is defined as the Spiritual dimension in Exhibit 1.2?

The search for meaning and purpose; values, ethics, interconnections with beliefs or faith; spirituality.

What is defined as the Physical environment in Exhibit 1.2?

The natural and built material surroundings of a person or community.

What is defined as Culture in Exhibit 1.2?

A system of knowledge, beliefs, values, language, symbols, patterns of behavior, and material objects created, learned, shared, and contested by a group.

What is defined as Social structure and social institutions in Exhibit 1.2?

A system of interrelated social institutions (government, economy, education, health care, etc.) and social structures that provide stability and order.

What is a Dyad in Exhibit 1.2?

Two persons bound together in some way, such as a social relationship with ongoing interdependence.

How is a Small group defined in Exhibit 1.2?

Two or more people who interact with each other because of shared interests, goals, experiences, and needs.

What is a Formal organization as defined in Exhibit 1.2?

Consciously organized and sustained attempts by ordinary people working outside of established institutions to change some aspect of society; includes workplaces and agencies.

How are Communities defined in Exhibit 1.2?

Territorial or relational groups of people sharing ties, who interact within a geographic area or through networks.

What is a Social movement according to Exhibit 1.2?

Consciously organized attempts by ordinary people outside established institutions to change some aspect of society.

What is Linear time as described in Chapter 1?

Time ordered like a straight line from past through present to future; clock time, calendars, and schedules.

What is Historical era in the Time Dimensions?

The specific block or period of time in which lives are enacted; the era’s economies, institutions, technologies, and geopolitics shape behavior.

What is Chronological age in the Time Dimensions?

Age measured in years, months, and days from birth; corresponds to life stages.

Name the six time perspectives identified by Zimbardo and Boyd.

Past-positive, Past-negative, Present-hedonistic, Present-fatalistic, Future, and Transcendental-future.

What is the recommended balance of time perspectives for well-being according to Zimbardo and Boyd?

A balance of past-positive, present-hedonistic, and future perspectives; biases toward past-negative and present-fatalistic increase health risks.

How is globalization defined in these notes?

The process by which the world’s people are becoming more interconnected economically, politically, environmentally, and culturally.

What is the difference between heterogeneity and diversity?

Heterogeneity refers to variability among individuals; diversity refers to patterns of group differences and the distribution of groups in a population.

What are Nussbaum’s 10 Core Capabilities? (List them briefly)

Life; Bodily health; Bodily integrity; Senses, imagination, and thought; Emotions; Practical reason; Affiliation; Concern for other species; Play; Control over one’s environment.

What CSWE 2015 competencies are associated with engaging diversity and advancing justice?

Competencies 2 (Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice) and 3 (Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice).

What are the five criteria for evaluating theory and research as outlined in Exhibit 1.7?

Coherence and conceptual clarity; Testability and empirical support; Comprehensiveness; Consistency with diversity and power arrangements; Usefulness for practice.

Name three common mechanisms of oppression listed in Exhibit 1.4?

Economic power and control; Myth of scarcity; The Other; Stereotyping; Blaming the victim; Internalized oppression.

What is the purpose of the 'multidimensional approach' to social work practice?

To move from knowing about and knowing that to knowing how to act; to consider multiple dimensions of person-environment configurations in assessment, intervention, and evaluation.

What are the eight Perspectives summarized in Exhibit 2.1?

Systems; Conflict; Exchange and choice; Social constructionist; Psychodynamic; Developmental; Behavioral; Humanistic.

What is a basic idea of the Systems Perspective (from Exhibit 2.1)?

Systems are interrelated; boundaries define identities; feedback mechanisms produce stability and change; power and inequality exist within systems.

What is the basic idea of the Conflict Perspective (from Exhibit 2.1)?

Inequality and power differentials drive social conflict; domination and oppression; social change occurs as nondominant groups organize and resist.

What is the basic idea of the Exchange and Choice Perspective (from Exhibit 2.1)?

People exchange resources; decisions are based on self- and community-interest; norms, expectations, and social networks influence choices.

What is the basic idea of the Social Constructionist Perspective (from Exhibit 2.1)?

Society constructs meaning and social reality through interaction; multiple realities; language, symbols, and narratives shape behavior.

What is the basic idea of the Psychodynamic Perspective (from Exhibit 2.1)?

Behavior is driven by unconscious and conscious processes; early experiences shape later functioning; defense mechanisms and attachment are central.

What is the basic idea of the Developmental Perspective (from Exhibit 2.1)?

Human development unfolds across the life span in stages; biological, psychological, and social factors interact; life course and turning points matter.

What is the basic idea of the Behavioral Perspective (from Exhibit 2.1)?

Behavior is learned through conditioning and observation; reinforcement, punishment, and modeling shape actions.

What is the basic idea of the Humanistic Perspective (from Exhibit 2.1)?

Individuals have inherent value and the capacity for growth; meaning, self-actualization, empathy, warmth, and authenticity are central.

What is Exhibit 2.7?

Criteria for evaluating theory and research across the eight perspectives, including coherence, testability, comprehensiveness, diversity, usefulness for practice, corroboration, multidimensionality, definition of terms, sample limitations, setting, and researcher influence.

What does the term 'multidimensionality' refer to in Hutchison's framework?

The inclusion of multiple dimensions of person, environment, and time in analysis to capture the complexity of human behavior.