Statistical infrequency

Question 1

What is statistical infrequency?

Answer 1

Mathematical method of defining abnormality. A behaviour is seen as abnormal if it is statistically uncommon or not seen very often in society (rare).
Mathematical aspect focuses on the idea that human attributes fall into a normal distribution within the population. Means there is a central average/mean.

Question 2

Give an example of statistical infrequency

Answer 2

Asking a sample how fearful they are of dogs. Rating scale is 1-10 where 1 is no fear at all. Expectations are to receive figures of 4-7. If one person gave a figure of 10 they could be considered abnormal because this figure falls extremely above the average

Question 3

Evaluation?

Answer 3

• The cut-off point is subjective
• E.g. one of the symptoms of depression is difficulty sleeping. Some may think that abnormal sleep is less than 6 hrs a night on average, others may think that it should be 5 hrs
• Means it is difficult to define abnormality in terms of statistical infrequency

Question 4

Evaluation?

Answer 4

• Cultural relativism
• Behaviours that may be statistically infrequent in one culture may be statistically more frequent in another.
• E.g. one of the symptoms of schizophrenia is claiming to hear voices. However, this is an experience that is common in some cultures.
• In practice, there are no universal standards or rules for labelling a behaviour as abnormal.