Definitions of Abnormality: Statistical Infrequency

Question 1

What is statistical infrequency?

Answer 1

Things which are rare, uncommon or extreme within society.

Question 2

Why is statistical infrequency objective?

Answer 2

It doesn’t rely on social norms or opinions and instead states that behaviour is abnormal if it is at the extreme end of a scale.

Question 3

How is intelligence explained in terms of statistical infrequency?

Answer 3

IQ scores can be displayed on a graph called a normal distribution which states it’s uncommon to have a very low or high IQ.

Question 4

What is important about a trait?

Answer 4

The frequency and duration of the trait.

Question 5

What are the strengths of this definition?

Answer 5

It’s a relatively objective definition.

Question 6

What are the weaknesses of this definition?

Answer 6

• Doesn’t consider how desirable a trait is.
• There’s no clear dividing line between frequent and infrequent, thus making it not entirely objective.