Definitions Of Abnormality, Statistical Infrequency Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the definition of statistical infrequency?
Statistical infrequency defines behavior as ‘normal’ if it occurs frequently, and ‘abnormal’ if it is rare.
How does the statistical definition categorize behavior?
Behaviors that are relatively usual are considered ‘normal’, while behaviors that differ from this are considered ‘abnormal’.
What is an example of a behavior that could be classified as abnormal?
Irrational fear of buttons or believing neighbors are zombies.
What characteristic is commonly measured using the statistical approach?
Intelligence.
What is the normal distribution?
The normal distribution is a statistical concept where most people’s scores cluster around the average, with fewer individuals achieving extreme scores.
What is the average IQ score?
The average IQ score is set at 100.
What percentage of people have an IQ in the range from 85 to 115?
68% of people.
What percentage of people have an IQ score below 70?
2% of people.
Individuals scoring below 70 are likely to receive a diagnosis of what disorder?
Intellectual disability disorder.
Fill in the blank: The normal distribution shows that the majority of people’s scores will cluster around the _______.
[average].
True or False: Statistical infrequency can only be applied to behaviors that cannot be measured.
False.
What is a key strength of the statistical definition in mental health?
It has a real-life application in the diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder.
This definition aids in assessing how severe symptoms are compared to statistical norms.
How does statistical infrequency apply to the assessment of mental disorders?
It includes measurement of how severe symptoms are compared to statistical norms.
This is distinct from social norms.
What is an example of a positive unusual characteristic?
An IQ score over 130.
This is considered just as unusual as a score below 70, but is viewed positively.
Does statistical infrequency mean that a behavior requires treatment?
No, it does not necessarily mean treatment is required.
Very few people displaying certain behaviors may not need to return to ‘normal’.
What is a limitation of the concept of statistical infrequency?
It would never be used alone to make a diagnosis.
This is due to the potential for positive characteristics being labeled as abnormal.
Why might labeling someone as abnormal be problematic?
It may negatively affect how others view them and how they view themselves.
This is especially true if the individual is happy and fulfilled.
Fill in the blank: Statistical infrequency is useful for clinical assessment but does not account for _______.
individual well-being.
A person may not need a diagnosis if they are not distressed or impaired.
True or False: All unusual characteristics require a diagnosis.
False.
Some individuals may lead fulfilling lives without the need for a label.
