This document contains A level AQA Psychology Psychopathology Notes, on the topic of Definitions of Abnormality: Statistical Infrequency, Deviation from Ideal Mental Health, Deviation from Social Norms, Failure to Function Adequately AO1 + AO3.
Psychopathology 1
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_clkutx
1. What are the 4 Statistical Infrequency, Deviation from Social Norms, Fail-
definitions of ab- ure to Function Adequately and Deviation from Ideal Men-
normality? tal Health
2. Describe (AO1) Statistical Infrequency is a mathematical model for defining
Statistical Infre- abnormality, it works based on the idea that abnormality
quency should be based on infrequency. It assumes that human at-
tributes fall into a normal distribution within the population.
eg: IQ scores. This definition states that the botton 2.5%
and top 2.5% (5% total) of the population that fall more than
2 standard deviations away from the mean are abnormal
(x+ 2o or x-2o).
3. Evaluate (AO3) - Abnormal behaviour can occur frequently eg: Depression
Statistical Infre- and Anxiety, 25% of the population have a mental health
quency issue, so this is not included in the definition (reductionist).
+ It is objective: mathematical in nature, mean it is clear
what is defined as abnormal and there is no bias.
- No consideration of cultural differences, argues all popu-
lations are contained in the normal distribution. eg: abnor-
mally high bc of comparison with the rest of the world and
cultural differences.
+ Useful overview- looks into the whole picture so good
insight.
4. Describe (AO1) Deviation from Social Norms is when a person is consid-
Deviation from ered abnormal if they behave in a way that is different
Social Norms from what people expect and social norms, if they offend
people's sense of what is "acceptable" or the norm. We
make a collective judgement as a society of what is right-
social norms (implicit- unofficial), while laws are explicit
and official. This approach defines abnormality as devia-
tion from social norms eg: AntiSocial Personality Disorder-
sufferers are impulsive and aggressive, lashing out at fu-
nerals, picking their nose...
1/3
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 claudiamartin13. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £8.57. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
