Psychopathology L3 - Definition Of Abnormality: 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 or having a very low IQ e.g. under 70

Question 2

How is statistical infrequency a definition of abnormality?

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
• Approximately 65% of the population will have an IQ score between 85-115
• 95% of the population will have an average IQ score
• 2.5% of the population will have an above average IQ score e.g. 130 or over (rare)
• 2.5% of the population will have a below average IQ score e.g. 70 or below (rare)

Question 3

Normal distribution curve mean, mode and median

Answer 3

All in the middle/peak
Ends show rare

Question 4

Left skewed curve

Answer 4

• negative skewness
• tail on left
• mean and median less then mode
• more scores to right (high IQ) - either too easy or very intelligent

Question 5

Right skewed curve

Answer 5

• positive skewness
• tail on the right
• mean and median greater then mode
• scores mainly to left (low IQ) - test too hard or not smart

Question 6

Evaluation of statistical infrequency ( 2 each)

Answer 6

Advantages
Just because someone is statistically infrequent doesn’t mean they are abnormal
Judgments are based on objective, scientific and unbiased data

Disadvantages
Involves labelling someone as abnormal - not beneficial
Subjective cut off point

Question 7

Just because someone is statistically infrequent doesn’t mean they are abnormal

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Judgements are based on objective, scientific and unbiased data

Answer 8

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 9

it involves labelling some people as abnormal, and this is not beneficial

Answer 9

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

Question 10

subjective cut off point between statistical infrequency

Answer 10

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