Exam (elaborations)
Outline and Evaluate two definitions of abnormality (8marks)
- Module
- Psychopathology
- Institution
- AQA
Top band answer for an 8 marker on two chosen definitions of abnormality
[Show more]
Content preview
One definition of abnormality is statistical infrequency. According to this definition, one is abnormalwhen they possess a characteristic which is deviates from the average or is uncommon. This can be
displayed in a normal distribution graph, in which the majority of scores will cluster around the
middle, which is average. IN a normal distribution graph, the further away you are from average, the
less people there will be. An example of this is IQ numbers, in which majority of the population will
place around average, and those with exceptionally high or low IQs will be classed as abnormal.
A weakness of this definition is that some characteristic that are uncommon can in fact be positive or
beneficial. For example, having a higher IQ is a desirable trait in many cases, but is classed as
abnormal just because they deviate from the populations average. The word ‘abnormal’ implies that
it must be treated, so that the person can become normal, but not all abnormalities are negative.
For this reason, statistical infrequency would never be used alone to make a diagnosis.
Another definition of abnormality is deviation from social norms. According to this definition, one is
seen as abnormal if they display characteristics or behaviour that does not fit in with their
communities' expectations. Societies decide which behaviours are seen as abnormal, usually based
on ow offensive it is compared to the societal norms. AN example of this is psychopathy. Those who
have this disorder are often aggressive, irrational and impulsive. A social judgement is usually made
that psychopaths are abnormal because they do not conform to our moral standards.
A strength of this definition is that it is flexible based on the different places or times that behaviour
is recorded. For example, it is unacceptable to wear a bikini whilst shopping, but acceptable to wear
a bikini at a beach. The flexibility of this definition means that we are able to make more defined
decisions on what is abnormal and what is normal, meaning that not everyone will be seen as
abnormal without a guided diagnosis. Living in the same culture for a period of time means you are
more likely to have gauged what is acceptable and what is not, allowing society to be ordered.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller gsnotes. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £3.29. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
64438 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now