Definitions of abnormality

Question 1

What is the definition of statistical infrequency?

Answer 1

It occurs when a person/individual has a less common characteristic and is seen as abnormal or unusual

Question 2

Give an example of statistical infrequency.

Answer 2

The normal average Iq is 100, with normal distribution being from 85 - 115
Only 2% of the population have an IQ less than 70, and they are diagnosed with IDD (intellectual disability disorder)

Question 3

Define deviation from social norms

Answer 3

When a person behaves in a way that is different from accepted standards of behaviour in a community

Question 4

Give an example of deviations from social norms

Answer 4

antisocial personality disorder, according to DSM - 5 this is diagnosed through failure to conform to the law and cultural normative, ethical behaviour

Question 5

What is a strength of statistical infrequency?

Answer 5

• it has real-world applications, for example, statistical infrequency can help diagnose people with IQs lower than 70 with disorders such as IDD and receive help based on this, improving their education and allowing them to access resources to help manage IDD
• this shows the usefulness of statistical infrequency in the real world

Question 6

What is the limitation of statistical infrequency?

Answer 6

Unusual characteristics may be positive
Someone with an IQ less than 70 can be diagnosed with IDD and labelled with intellectual disability disorder and seen as abnormal. This can be viewed as negative in society. However, someone with an IQ higher than normal such as 130, would be seen as a genius and praised, although this is just as abnormal
- this shows that the abnormal label may lead to discrimination due to statistical infrequency

Question 7

What is the strength of deviations from social norms

Answer 7

• deviations of social norms have been used in clinical practices. For example, defining deviations from social norms can identify abnormal characteristics such as a lack of morals and a lack of following laws
• This can be used to diagnose people with other disorders which cause such symptoms such as schizophrenia

Question 8

What is a weakness of deviations from social norms

Answer 8

• Different cultures have variations in social norms due to traditions and ideals
• this means that someone may be classed as abnormal in one country but not in another
• This shows that abnormality is difficult to generalise across different cultures in various countries