A common limitation of genograms is:

• A. There are few studies on the psychometrics of genograms.
• B. They are quick and easy to administer.
• C. They provide precise numeric norms.
• D. They require expensive equipment.

Answer: (A)

Genograms are a valuable descriptive tool that maps family structure and relationships across generations to help identify patterns, roles, and potential risk factors. Because they rely on client reports and counselor interpretation, they lack standardized measurement properties. A common limitation is that there are few studies on their psychometrics—reliability, validity, and norms are not well established—so different clinicians may interpret the same genogram in different ways, and there isn’t solid evidence that they measure specific constructs consistently across clients. This is why the genogram is best used as a rich narrative aid rather than a precise measurement instrument. The other statements don’t fit because genograms aren’t typically quick and easy to administer, they don’t yield precise numeric norms, and they don’t require expensive equipment.