Lesson 1- Deviation from Social Norms

Question 1

Deviation form social norms defined (AO1)

Answer 1

Any behaviour that does not follow social patterns or rules. Such violation of these patterns or rules can be regarded as abnormal behaviour and would be classed as unacceptable. Norms, values, and accepted ways to behave vary from one culture to the next and from one time period to the next.

Question 2

Explicit rules

Answer 2

E.g. laws

Question 3

Codes of conduct, unwritten rules

Answer 3

For example, dress codes we should abide by

Question 4

Disadvantage of using deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality

Answer 4

The definition does not always clearly indicate that a person has a psychological abnormality
- therefore psychologists must be cautious when making judgements about whether deviations from social norms implies that someone is abnormal or just odd

The context must be be taken into account
- e.g wearing no clothes in the high street would be viewed as odd and deviating from social norms
- however not wearing them on a nudist beach would be acceptable, therefore context must be considered

Question 5

Strength of deviation from social norms

Answer 5

It distinguishes a difference between desirable and non desirable behaviour
- aims to protect members of the public from the effects of abnormal behaviour and its consequences
- e.g. its abnormal to wear no clothes in the high street- and if someone was to display this behaviour it would be damaging and disturbing
- highlighting this behaviour can therefore help to minimise it