Evaluating Statistical Infrequency And Deviation From Social Norms

Question 1

STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY

some abnormal behaviour is desirable:

Answer 1

For instance, having an IQ over 150, although abnormal, it is still quite desirable. Or even the reverse; suffering from depression is quite common, although very undesirable

Question 2

STATISTICAL INFREQUENCY

the cut-off point is subjectively determined:

Answer 2

we need to decide where to separate normality from abnormality for example, difficulty sleeping is abnormal but to what extent; sleeping for 3hrs less than the population and even then some people may consider this normal

Question 3

DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS

susceptible to abuse:

Answer 3

what was considered deviation from norms now, may not have been 50yrs ago. For example, homosexuality is accepted now but in the past it was seen as a disorder and so deviation from social norms may prevail social morals and attitudes

Question 4

DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS

deviance is related to context and degree:

Answer 4

the context is important. For instance, being naked on a nudist beach is the norm but this same nudity in a classroom would be regarded abnormal and so social deviance alone cannot offer a complete definition of abnormality