Lesson 3: Statistical Infrequency

Question 1

Statistical infrequency definition

Answer 1

Statistical infrequency occurs when an individual possesses a less common characteristic than most of the population. The behaviours displayed are statistically rare, for example being extremely intelligent with an IQ score over 130.”

Question 2

How can you tell when someone is statistically infrequent

Answer 2

Any relatively unusual behaviour can be thought of as abnormal. This means that when looking at statistics, the number of people who might display that behaviour might be infrequent or rare. For example when looking at IQ scores, the average IQ score is 100. Scores that are significantly higher than 100 (e.g. 130), or significantly lower than 100 (e.g. 70) are quite rare or statistically infrequent.

Question 3

How do you describe a normal distribution curve?

Answer 3

I don’t know what is your version you have the number of scores on the Y axis and the intelligent score on the X axes and a curve forms
If your car is left, screwed, it has a negative skewness, and if it is right skewed, it has a positive skewness

Question 4

Name, two advantages of statistical infrequency

Answer 4

1) An advantage of statistical infrequency is that to have an IQ score over 130 is just as unusual or statistically infrequent as having an IQ score below 70. However, being very intelligent with an IQ score over 130 is not a negative behaviour, but is actually quite positive and desirable! Just because a behaviour is statistically infrequent does not mean that the person is abnormal and requires treatment. Statistical infrequency can be a good thing (+)

2) An advantage of statistical infrequency is that judgements are based on objective, scientific and unbiased data that can help indicate abnormality and normality, (for example the IQ scores). The results from these tests can indicate whether someone needs psychological help and assistance e.g. an IQ score below 70 could indicate mental disability (+)

Question 5

Name, two disadvantages of statistical infrequency

Answer 5

1) A disadvantage of statistical infrequency is that it involves labelling some people as abnormal, and this is not beneficial. A person with a low IQ of 70 might be labelled in a negative manner by other members of society, and this could have a negative effect upon them and how they view themselves. It could affect self confidence and self esteem and lead to further problems (-)

2) Statistical infrequency can be criticised because there seems to be a subjective cut off point between statistical infrequency (abnormality) and normality. We need to decide the dividing line between where normality and abnormality starts and ends, and this is very subjective, for instance an IQ of 70 is abnormal and statistically infrequent, but an IQ score of 71 is normal? The cut off point can be questioned. (-)

Question 6

What is the time measures of central tendency mean?

Answer 6

Mean mode median