Psychopathology - Definitions + AO3

Question 1

Dysfunctional behaviour

Answer 1

The inability to function normally which is characterised by abnormal behaviour and/or functioning

Question 2

Statistical frequency

Answer 2

Behaviour is seen as abnormal if it is a less common characteristic - only a small number of people
e.g. only 2% have an IQ <70 compared to the 68% in the range of 85-115 –> is considered abnormal and reason to get diagnosis for IDD

Question 3

Strenght of Statistical frequency

Answer 3

Real world application + usefulness

• used in clinical practice for formal diagnosis + assess severity of symptoms
  e. g. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) where a score of 30+ (only 5% of respondents) is interpreted to have severe depression

Question 4

Limitation of Statisitical Frequency

Answer 4

Infrequent characteristics can be positive e.g. some have IQ >130 but not considered abnormal

Things like depression effect 1 in 5 but is still abnormal - infrequency isn’t a sufficient explanation to define abnormality

Question 5

Deviation from social norms

Answer 5

Behaviour is considered abnormal if its considered different from accepted standard of behaviour in a community/society