Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

How should a social worker approach the assessment of a child's social interaction skills?

1. Through observational techniques

2. By reviewing academic performance

3. Through one-on-one interviews

4. By comparing with peer behavior

The correct answer is: Through observational techniques

The most effective approach for assessing a child's social interaction skills is through observational techniques. This method allows the social worker to directly observe how children interact with their peers in naturalistic settings, such as during playtime or group activities. Observational techniques provide valuable insights into a child's communication styles, non-verbal cues, and overall social engagement, which may not be fully captured through other assessment methods. By watching how a child interacts in real-time, the social worker can gather nuanced information about their social skills, initiating interactions, sharing, turn-taking, and responding to others. While reviewing academic performance can provide some context about a child's experiences in school, it does not specifically measure social interaction skills as they relate to peer relationships. One-on-one interviews might allow the child to express their thoughts and feelings about social interactions, but they may not accurately reflect real-world interactions or may be influenced by the child's anxiety or shyness. Comparing a child's behavior to peers can provide a benchmark, but it doesn't capture the richness of social interactions or individual differences within a child's context.