Psychology - Definitions of Abnormality

Statistical Infrequency - A behaviour is seen as abnormal if it is statistically uncommon or not seen often in society. Therefore abnormality is determined by looking at the distributuion of a particular behaviour within society.

Example - The average IQ is approximately 100 and 65% of the population have an IQ in the region of 85 - 115. Furthermore, 95% of the population have an IQ of 70 - 130. Howvever, 5% have an IQ below 70 or above 130 and these people are statistically uncommon, they would be classified as abnormal.

Strength - It has a useful overview, this gives a useful insight into the whole picture of a partcular characteristic it accurately represents the results.

Weaknesses - Labelling an individual as abnormal is unhelpful, it could cause a person disstress and lower confidence, ethical issues could arise causing psychological or physical harm.

Weaknesses - It is dependent on cutoff points which are often determined by standard deviations. This suggests that statistical infrequency is subjective and there is no precise cut off point before a behaviour is classified as abnormal.

Deviation from Social Norms - A social norm is an unwritten rule about what is acceptable within a particular society. Therefore, according to the definition, a person is seen as abnormal if their thinking behaviour violates these unwrittwen rules (social norms) about what is acceptable.

Example - If you were to see someone walking around the street of London particularly naked, you would probably think they were abnormal. However, this same behaviour in a remote African tribe would be considered perfectly normal as part of their culture.

Strengths - This defintiion is flexible, it is dependent on the situation and the age. A social norm is to wear full clothing whilst out shopping, but a bikini is acceptable on a beach.

Strengths - Clarity, if you have lived within a culture for…