Psychopathology - Definitions Of Abnormality: Statistical infrequency

Question 1

How is statistical infrequency used to define abnormality?

Answer 1

• Statistically infrequent behaviour is seen as abnormal
• This means that behaviour that is rare is seen as abnormal
• Common behaviours/traits can be measured statistically in comparison to the rest of the population, unusual behaviours are defined as abnormal

Question 2

What is an example of how statistical infrequency can be measured to define behaviours as abnormal?

Answer 2

-Low IQ can be measured as being two standard deviations below the average (This represents 2.28% of the population)

Question 3

What is a disadvantage of using statistical infrequency as a way of defining abnormality?

Answer 3

• A disadvantage of using statistical infrequency to define abnormality is that some unusual traits are positive like high IQ
• This means that not all behaviour that is statistically rare is negative

Question 4

What is an advantage of using statistical infrequency as a way of defining abnormality?

Answer 4

-Statistical infrequency is more objective than other measures as it uses statistical analysis and data from the general population

Question 5

What is a disadvantage of using statistical infrequency as a way of defining abnormality?

Answer 5

-However it could be seen that statistical infrequency is subjective as the cut off point for abnormality which decides whether people receive support or not is subjective

Question 6

What is a disadvantage of using statistical infrequency as a way of defining abnormality?

Answer 6

-A disadvantage of using statistical infrequency to define abnormality is that many psychopathologies are not statistically rare
(E.g: Depression is common as 1 in 6 adults have the mental illness)