Eval of statistical infrequency Flashcards
Limit of statistical infrequency
Overly simplistic
This is because it ignores the concept that some abnormal behaviours could be viewed as desirable
For example, very few people have an IQ over 150 and would fall +2 SD away from this mean, so according to this definition they would be considered abnormal but this abnormality is desirable.
Therefore, using statistical infrequency to define abnormality means that we are unable to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours
Limit 2 of statistical infrequency
Considered culturally biased
Which is when a theory, model or explanation inappropriately judges behaviour from a particular cultural perspective
For example, in western cultures it would be considered abnormal to hear voices and therefore the person would be considered statistically unfrequent. However, this experience is common in some cultures such as the Māori people in New Zealand.
This means there are no universal standards or rules for labelling a behaviour as abnormal on the distribution curve, weakening this definition
Limit of deviation from social norms
Culturally biased
Which is when a theory, model, or explanation inappropriately judges behaviour from a particular cultural perspective
For example, wearing the teeth of dead relatives as jewellery is normal in some indigenous cultures but would be considered abnormal in western cultures
Therefore, this definition may unfairly judge behaviour as abnormal
Limit 2 of deviation
Historically biased
This is when a definition cannot be generalised over different time periods
This is due to social norms evolving over time. For example, being homosexual was once considered abnormal in Britain but it is perfectly normal today
This suggests researchers need to examine the given time period before deciding if a behaviour is abnormal when utilising this definition
Limit 3 of deviation
Overly simplistic
This is when a definition oversimplifies the true complexity of a behaviour, possibly by ignoring the role of other factors
For example, wearing next to nothing on a beach is considered normal, whereas the same outfit in a formal social setting would be considered abnormal and possibly an indication of a mental disorder
This means social deviance on its own cannot offer a complete definition of abnormality, because it is inevitability related to both context and degree
Limit 1 failure to function
Partly subjective
When a definition fails to use a standardised level of measurement, leading to potential bias
This is because although it has an objective set of criteria (suffering, irrationality,) deciding whether a person is failing to function depends on subjective choice (e.g. observer discomfort is completely dependent on observers personal opinion)
This weakens the credibility of this definition, and brings in to question whether a psychiatrist has the right to make those decisions
Limit 2 of failure to function
Culturally biased
Which is when a theory, model or explanation inappropriately judges a behaviour from a particular cultural perspective
This is because failure to function criterion is likely to result in different diagnoses when applied to people from different cultures. Could explain why non-white patients are more often diagnosed with mental disorders
Suggests definition may be restricted to western cultures and shouldn’t be considered a universal measurement of abnormality, weakening its usefulness
Limit 3 of failure to function
Overly simplistic
When a definition oversimplifies the true complexity of a behaviour, possibly by ignoring the role of other factors; in this case context
For example, reporting suffering after the death of a loved one is a healthy mourning process, but reporting suffering all of the time would be considered abnormal
This means that failure to function adequately on its own cannot offer a complete definition of abnormality as it is inevitably related to both context and degreee
Limit 1 deviation from ideal mental health
Unscientific
Whic
