During the assessment phase with family members, what criterion is being assessed when the social worker asks, "How do you decide who does something in the family?"

The social worker’s inquiry, "How do you decide who does something in the family?", focuses on the involvement and dynamics of decision-making within the family unit, which directly pertains to the criterion of role behavior. This question seeks to uncover how different roles are assigned to family members and how those roles influence the responsibilities and tasks each person undertakes.

Understanding role behavior is essential for social workers as it reveals the hierarchical structure, power dynamics, and functional responsibilities within the family. It helps to identify who has authority, who feels empowered to make decisions, and how roles may shift or overlap among family members.

Examining role behavior is critical for recognizing familial patterns that could impact functioning, relationships, and potential areas for intervention. In this context, exploring how decisions are made provides deeper insight into the unique functioning and interactions of the family, guiding the social worker in their assessment process.