Definitions of abnormality: Statistical deviation

Question 1

Outline

Answer 1

This definition states that behaviours that are extremely rare are considered abnormal. These behaviours can be fitted on a normal distribution.

Question 2

Example

Answer 2

having very low and very high intelligence are both abnormal as they occur relatively infrequently in the population. The majority of people will be in the middle of the graph and so are normal as they have an IQ of between 70 and 130.

Question 3

Evaluation strength: good real world application

Answer 3

as it can be used to define clinical abnormality as behaviours that differ significantly from statistical norms are considered abnormal.

Question 4

Evaluation weakness: some common behaviours are abnormal

Answer 4

for example, depression is commonly experienced so it would be considered normal to this definition, however this is a mental illness so should be classed as abnormal.

Question 5

Evaluation weakness: some unusual characteristics can be positive

Answer 5

as having a high IQ is socially desirable but this definition would label it abnormal.