Paper 1 - Psychopathology - Topic 5 - Definitions Of Abnormality (1) Flashcards
5.1 What is the definition of statistical infrequency?
Any relatively usual behaviour or characteristic can be thought of as ‘normal’, and any behaviour that is unusual is ‘abnormal’
This concept helps to define abnormality based on how often a behaviour occurs
5.1 What is the average IQ score set at in a normal distribution?
100
In a normal distribution, most people’s IQ scores will cluster around this average
5.1 What percentage of people have an IQ score between 85 and 115?
68%
This range represents the majority of the populations IQ scores
5.1 What percentage of individuals have an IQ score below 70?
2%
Those scoring below 70 are often considered to have intellectual disability disorder
5.1 What is meant by deviation from social norms?
When a person behaves in a way that is different from how we expect people to behave
It involves collective societal judgements about acceptable behaviour
5.1 Why are social norms considered different across cultures?
Social norms may vary for each generation and different cultures
This means behaviours considered abnormal in one culture may be normal in another
5.1 What is a key symptom of antisocial personality disorder according to the DSM-5?
Absence of proposal internal standards
This absence leads to failure to conform to lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour
5.1 What is one strength of statistical infrequency in clinical practice? (AO3)
It’s usefulness in diagnosis and assessment of severity
For example, a diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder requires an IQ below 70
This shows that the value of the statistical infrequency criterion is useful in diagnostic and assessment processes
5.1 What is a limitation of statistical infrequency? (AO3)
Infrequent characteristics can be positive as well as negative
High IQs or low depression scores do not necessarily mean someone is abnormal
It is never sufficient as the sole basis for defining abnormality
5.1 What is a potential problem with labelling unusual individuals as abnormal? (AO3)
Social stigma attached to such labels
Not all individuals benefit from being labelled as abnormal
5.1 How is deviation from social norms used in clinical practice? (AO3)
It defines characteristics of disorders like antisocial personality disorder
The failure to conform to culturally acceptable ethical behaviour is a key aspect
Has value in psychiatry
5.1 What is a limitation of deviation from social norms regarding cultural differences? (AO3)
Variability between social norms in different cultures and situations
Norms can differ significantly, making it difficult to judge abnormality
5.1 What argument supports the use of deviation from social norms in diagnosis? (AO3)
It is necessary to diagnose conditions like antisocial personality disorder
This can help identify and treat individuals with such disorders
