Statistical Norm of Abnormality

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  • Created by: katie
  • Created on: 10-05-15 12:58
what does the statistical norm define abnormality as?
says abnormal behaviour is behaviour that is statistically infrequent
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how can this be shown?
using a distribution curve to show the percentage of people that share the behaviour in question
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give an example of how it would appear on this distribution curve?
e.g. happiness. happy all the time would be on the far right extreme of the curve and happy none of the time would be on the far left extreme. the majority would be in the middle and minorities on the extremes.
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what is the cut off point for normality?
+/- 2SDs (standard deviations) from the mean (bottom and top 2.5% are abnormal)
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STRENGTH: clear
clear cut off point for abnormality means that the definition is objective and does not rely on the subjective interpretation of the psychiatrist
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STRENGTH: who treated
clearly shows who should be allowed treatment
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WEAKNESS: extremes
says both extremes are as abnormal e.g. genius is as abnormal as mental retardation: we do not see being a genius as abnormal.
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WEAKNESS: refused treatment
if you fall only 1SD from the mean but you may still be in need of treatment
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WEAKNESS: depression
depression is not statistically infrequent but is still thought of as abnormal in society
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

how can this be shown?

Back

using a distribution curve to show the percentage of people that share the behaviour in question

Card 3

Front

give an example of how it would appear on this distribution curve?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

what is the cut off point for normality?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

STRENGTH: clear

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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