Statistical Infrequency

• Statistical Infrequency:

  Behaviour that can be described as statistically infrequent can/is defined as abnormal according to this definition.
• Behaviour occurs a-lot (frequently), it is a way most people behave (normal).

  Behaviour occurs not a-lot (infrequently), then can be described as statistically infrequent, and therefore abnormal.

  Rare behaviour-> abnormal
• Strength:

  Real-world application:

  • It's usefulness, Used in clinical practices as a way of formal diagnoses of patients and assesses the severity of symptoms,
  • Shows this definition has value as the criterion is helpful in diagnosis and assessment process.
• Weakness:

  Labelling:

  • Labelling someone as being abnormal can be unhelpful or harmful.
  • Someone with low IQ would be labelled as abnormal under definition when perfectly happy.
  • Such as label could lead to poor self-image and may not benefit from it.
  • Problem as being labelled as SI could cause more distress than condition itself.
• Weakness:

  • Some infrequent traits/behaviours are actually desirable:
  • Does not distinguish between positive and negative characteristics.
  • For someone with very low IQ there is a person with very high IQ. Both are rare, we would not define a trait like High IQ as abnormal.
  • Shows that being unusual on a spectrum such as this does not necessary make someone abnormal.
  • Suggests that SI is an insufficient definition for abnormality.