Abnormal Psychology
Abnormal psychology: Assignment 1 - defining abnormality
1. Explain statistical infrequency as a means of defining abnormality
Statistical infrequency is when something is a rare occurrence and as with abnormal behavior it is the same if it is rare it is considered abnormal.
2. Give an example to illustrate how this definition could be used.
One such example would be a person is in the middle of the town center screaming that he is a plane whilst running around and since this is a statistical infrequency (rare behavior) it is thusly considered to be abnormal.
3. Explain at least two criticisms of this definition
a) First criticism
Where does a person draw the line on what is considered to be a normal behavior and at what point do we cross that line take IQ as an example if the average IQ is 100 does a person starting becoming abnormal at 99 or at 101 or it is at a further away from what is average.
b) Other criticisms
Another criticism is would be what happens if the infrequency is a behavior that is a desirable one, such as a person being a genius or and Olympic athlete they are now considered to be abnormal despite having a wanted quality.
1. Explain deviation from social norms as a means of defining abnormality
To deviate from social norms is to act in a way that is the opposite of what society believes to be the right way to act.
2. Give an example to illustrate how this definition could be used.
Any act that acts out of the social norms such as standing and screaming during the sermon in a church would be an example of deviation from social norms.
3. Explain at least two criticisms of this definition
a) First criticism
A criticism of deviation from social norms would be how far would a person has to deviate to be considered abnormal is it the first time they do something or is it multiple deviations but it also could be is it ok to deviate in little ways but is a major deviation the problem.
b) Other
1. Explain statistical infrequency as a means of defining abnormality
Statistical infrequency is when something is a rare occurrence and as with abnormal behavior it is the same if it is rare it is considered abnormal.
2. Give an example to illustrate how this definition could be used.
One such example would be a person is in the middle of the town center screaming that he is a plane whilst running around and since this is a statistical infrequency (rare behavior) it is thusly considered to be abnormal.
3. Explain at least two criticisms of this definition
a) First criticism
Where does a person draw the line on what is considered to be a normal behavior and at what point do we cross that line take IQ as an example if the average IQ is 100 does a person starting becoming abnormal at 99 or at 101 or it is at a further away from what is average.
b) Other criticisms
Another criticism is would be what happens if the infrequency is a behavior that is a desirable one, such as a person being a genius or and Olympic athlete they are now considered to be abnormal despite having a wanted quality.
1. Explain deviation from social norms as a means of defining abnormality
To deviate from social norms is to act in a way that is the opposite of what society believes to be the right way to act.
2. Give an example to illustrate how this definition could be used.
Any act that acts out of the social norms such as standing and screaming during the sermon in a church would be an example of deviation from social norms.
3. Explain at least two criticisms of this definition
a) First criticism
A criticism of deviation from social norms would be how far would a person has to deviate to be considered abnormal is it the first time they do something or is it multiple deviations but it also could be is it ok to deviate in little ways but is a major deviation the problem.
b) Other