Definitions Of Abnormality-statistical Infrequency Flashcards
What is statistical infrequency?
Statistical infrequency is when a persons trait or characteristic is described as abnormal as it is rare or statistically unusual. This can be used by calaculating the mean of this trait and anything that is very far away from the mean and unusual is said to be statistically infrequent.
What is an example of statistical infrequency?
Having extremely high or low IQ. One limitation of statistical infrequency is that it does not take into the consideration that people may desire to possess a trait such as high IQ
Evaluation of statistical infrequency
Strength- provides an objective measure to abnormality that is quantitative in most cases.
No judgements made it is nearly just If something is statiscally infrequent or not such as homosexuality
Fails to distinguish between desirable and undesirable traits. Therefore someone with extremely high IQ would be labbled as abnormal however in society would not be viewed as normal so they wou;d be labelled someone
May say that something is common and therefore may not be seen as a prblem as with obesity in the US or Depression in the elderly and therefore as it is common with this explanation may be seen as normal but it is not normal or healthy
