Defintion Of Abnormality - Statistical Infrequency

Question 1

What is the description of statistical infrequency?

Answer 1

Under this definition, a persons traits, thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it’s rare or statistically unusual

Question 2

an example of everyday behaviour, relating to statistical infrequency?

Answer 2

Fear of dogs - if you asked people to put on a scale 1-10 their fear of dogs, it would mainly cluster around the middle. The abnormal ratings are those at either end because they are not the ‘norm’

Question 3

Example of psychological abnormalities relating to statistical infrequency?

Answer 3

Schizophrenia has a 1% lifetime risk and therefore is statistically rare

Question 4

Give three negative evaluation points about statistical infrequency as a way of defining abnormality?

Answer 4

Some abnormal behaviour is desirable (high IQ rare, but desirable)
Cut off point? (Where do we separate normal from abnormal)
Not everyone unusual benefits from a label (low IQ can live normal life but with label of abnormal it affects the way they see them self and others see them)

Question 5

Give a positive of statistical infrequency as a way of defining abnormality?

Answer 5

It is based on real data - the definition relies on real, unbiased date and so it is an objective means of defining abnormality