(3)🔮statistical infrequency

Question 1

what does this definition propose?

Answer 1

mental abnormality is determined by the rarity of behaviour in the population, which is judged objectively using statistics.

Question 2

how does this definition classify someone as abnormal

Answer 2

individuals that deviate from normal distribution curve most liekly the peak of the curve (the mean), are considered abnormal.

Question 3

give an example of a stastical infrquent abnormality

Answer 3

being scared of buttons - such rare phobias would be classified as abnormal.

Question 4

✅ - real life applications + 🦄 (subjective cutoffs)

Answer 4

evidence: used in clinical diagnosis for e.g. a diagnosis of IDD requires an IQ score below 70 (falls more than 2 standard deviations away from the mean).

explain: holds practical value for diagnostic and assessment processes.

🦄: using subjective cutoffs, like an IQ of 70, oversimplifies a complex spectrum of abilities. Leads to individuals just above threshold being denied support, despite facing similar difficulties. Results in unfair outcomes for those on borderline of defined criteria

Question 5

❌ - not all statistically infrequent characteristics are negative

Answer 5

evidence: an IQ above 130 is just as rare as an IQ below 70 but someone with extremely high IQ would not need formal diagnosis or treatment

explain: being at one end of a psychological spectrum doesn’t make someone abnormal, insufficient definition

Question 5

❌ - can result in negative labelling

Answer 5

evidence: individual’s statistically infrequent trait may still allow them to function adequately; labelling them with IDD could lead to poor self-image or result in discrimination, like in the workplace

explain: having abnormal label because of a statistically infrequent trait may cause the person more damage than the condition itself.