Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

In a situation where a case manager is often late picking up clients, what principle does this violate according to social learning theory?

1. Clients will learn to adapt to challenges

2. Clients may learn that lateness is acceptable

3. Clients will accept authority figures without question

4. Clients will become dependent on the case manager

The correct answer is: Clients may learn that lateness is acceptable

The principle of social learning theory highlights that individuals learn behaviors and norms through observation and interaction with others. When a case manager consistently arrives late to appointments, clients may observe this behavior and internalize it, leading them to believe that such lateness is acceptable. This can shape their understanding of punctuality and possibly influence their own behaviors, as they might adopt a more relaxed attitude toward timeliness in general, viewing lateness as a norm rather than a breach of professional conduct. This learning process demonstrates the impact that role models, including authority figures like case managers, have on clients and reinforces the idea that behavior is often adopted through direct observation and experience.