Statistical Infrequency

Question 1

What is statistical infrequency?

Answer 1

Argues that behaviour that are statistically rare should be seen as abnormal

Question 2

What is regarded as statistically rare?

Answer 2

Any individual who falls outside the ‘normal distribution’ are perceived as abnomal

Question 3

What percentage of the population are classed as statistically rare?

Answer 3

5% of the population- 2.5% either end of the distribution

Question 4

What is an example of statistical infrequency?

Answer 4

Intellectual disability disorder. The average IQ is set at 100, and only approx. 2’% fall below 70%. These may be diagnosed with low IQ is infrequent.

Question 5

There are many statistically rare/infrequent behaviours that are actually desirable. Why is this a problem. (Evidence)

Answer 5

Having a high IQ. Undesirable ones that are frequent such as 10% of people will be chronically depressed at some point in their lives, which means it is common and not seen as abnormal to the definition.

Question 6

There are many statistically rare/infrequent behaviours that are actually desirable. Why is this a problem. (Explain)

Answer 6

Using statistical infrequency to define abnormality means its hard to distinguish between desirable and undesirable characteristics. Limits the usefulness of it. In order to treat behaviours there has to be a way to identify the undesirable ones.

Question 7

Behaviours that are statistically infrequent in one culture may be statistically more frequent in another. Why is this a problem? (Evidence)

Answer 7

One symptom of Schizophrenia is claiming to hear voices. This is also an experience that is common in some cultures. Spiritualists communicating with the dead.

Question 8

Behaviours that are statistically infrequent in one culture may be statistically more frequent in another. Why is this a problem? (Explain)

Answer 8

It is culturally relative which means that there may be no universal standards or rules labelling behaviours as abnormal.

Question 9

The definition can be useful as part of clinical assessments. Why is this a strength? (Evidence)

Answer 9

One of the assessments of patients with mental disorders includes some kind of measurement of the severity of symptoms compared to normal statistics

Question 10

The definition can be useful as part of clinical assessments. Why is this a strength? (Explain)

Answer 10

There is a place for statistical infrequency in normal and abnormal behaviour. This can have positive economic implications as people are more likely to receive a diagnosis and get the most effective treatment.

Question 11

When someone is living a happy and fulfilled life, there is no benefit in them being labelled as abnormal. Why is this a problem? (Evidence)

Answer 11

Someone with a very low IQ who is not distressed, quite capable of working would not need a diagnosis of intellectual disability.

Question 12

When someone is living a happy and fulfilled life, there is no benefit in them being labelled as abnormal. Why is this a problem? (Explain)

Answer 12

Ethical implications as if someone is labelled as abnormal, it can have a negative effect on the way others view them or themselves. May lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy where they sink more into the condition and don’t seek treatment