Definitions Of Abnormality, Statistical Infrequency

Question 1

What is the definition of statistical infrequency?

Answer 1

Statistical infrequency defines behavior as ‘normal’ if it occurs frequently, and ‘abnormal’ if it is rare.

Question 2

How does the statistical definition categorize behavior?

Answer 2

Behaviors that are relatively usual are considered ‘normal’, while behaviors that differ from this are considered ‘abnormal’.

Question 3

What is an example of a behavior that could be classified as abnormal?

Answer 3

Irrational fear of buttons or believing neighbors are zombies.

Question 4

What characteristic is commonly measured using the statistical approach?

Answer 4

Intelligence.

Question 5

What is the normal distribution?

Answer 5

The normal distribution is a statistical concept where most people’s scores cluster around the average, with fewer individuals achieving extreme scores.

Question 6

What is the average IQ score?

Answer 6

The average IQ score is set at 100.

Question 7

What percentage of people have an IQ in the range from 85 to 115?

Answer 7

68% of people.

Question 8

What percentage of people have an IQ score below 70?

Answer 8

2% of people.

Question 9

Individuals scoring below 70 are likely to receive a diagnosis of what disorder?

Answer 9

Intellectual disability disorder.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The normal distribution shows that the majority of people’s scores will cluster around the _______.

Answer 10

[average].

Question 11

True or False: Statistical infrequency can only be applied to behaviors that cannot be measured.

Answer 11

False.

Question 12

What is a key strength of the statistical definition in mental health?

Answer 12

It has a real-life application in the diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder.

This definition aids in assessing how severe symptoms are compared to statistical norms.

Question 13

How does statistical infrequency apply to the assessment of mental disorders?

Answer 13

It includes measurement of how severe symptoms are compared to statistical norms.

This is distinct from social norms.

Question 14

What is an example of a positive unusual characteristic?

Answer 14

An IQ score over 130.

This is considered just as unusual as a score below 70, but is viewed positively.

Question 15

Does statistical infrequency mean that a behavior requires treatment?

Answer 15

No, it does not necessarily mean treatment is required.

Very few people displaying certain behaviors may not need to return to ‘normal’.

Question 16

What is a limitation of the concept of statistical infrequency?

Answer 16

It would never be used alone to make a diagnosis.

This is due to the potential for positive characteristics being labeled as abnormal.

Question 17

Why might labeling someone as abnormal be problematic?

Answer 17

It may negatively affect how others view them and how they view themselves.

This is especially true if the individual is happy and fulfilled.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Statistical infrequency is useful for clinical assessment but does not account for _______.

Answer 18

individual well-being.

A person may not need a diagnosis if they are not distressed or impaired.

Question 19

True or False: All unusual characteristics require a diagnosis.

Answer 19

False.

Some individuals may lead fulfilling lives without the need for a label.