AO3

• Point: A strength of the statistical infrequency definition is that it is objective and quantifiable, relying on statistical data to determine abnormality. 

  Ev: mental health professionals can use statistical data on the prevalence of various disorders, such as the percentage of the population that experiences anxiety or depression, to objectively assess whether an individual's behaviour is statistically rare. 

  Explanation: By using clear, statistical data, this approach removes much of the subjectivity involved in determining abnormality. This objectivity makes the statistical infrequency definition a straightforward and consistent way to identify abnormal behaviours across different individuals. It provides clear criteria, making the diagnosis of abnormality more reliable and less dependent on individual interpretation, which can sometimes lead to bias or inconsistency. 

   
• weakness of the statistical infrequency definition is that it fails to consider the impact a behaviour has on an individual's ability to function in everyday life. 

  Evidence: For example, someone with a very high IQ, while statistically infrequent, may not experience any impairment in their daily functioning. In contrast, someone with a common behaviour like mild anxiety may struggle to perform in work or social settings, yet anxiety might not be considered statistically rare. 

  Explanation: The statistical infrequency definition focuses purely on how rare a behaviour is, rather than considering whether it disrupts an individual's ability to function in their personal or social life. Anxiety, despite being more common, can cause significant distress and impair an individual's functioning, making it more appropriate to label as abnormal even if it isn’t statistically rare. 

   
• problem = potential for misdiagnosis, particularly when distinguishing between behaviours that are statistically common or uncommon. 

  approximately 10% of the population will experience depression at some point in their lives. By the statistical infrequency definition, this means that depression would technically be considered ‘normal’ because it falls within a more common range. On the other hand, a behaviour such as having a very high IQ, which is statistically rare, could be categorised as abnormal despite being a desirable and positive trait. 

  using statistical infrequency alone = abnormality: it fails to consider the desirability or the impact of the behaviour. In the case of depression = common, the distress and impairment associated with the condition would suggest it is abnormal. Conversely, a high IQ is rare but not something that requires intervention or is considered problematic. relying on si = inaccurate diagnoses