eval - statistical infrequency

• support

  • quick and easy to quantify abnormality in order to assess
  • if someone or something is more than 2 standard deviations away from the mean it can be classed as abnormal
• counter 1

  unusual behaviour can be positive e.g. having a high IQ. this definition classes ‘desirable’ abnormality in exactly the same way as ‘undesirable’ abnormality. this is not a realistic reflection of differences in experience
• counter 2

  the cut-off point is subjective/arbitrary e.g. if an IQ of 70 is the cut-off point, how can we justify saying someone with 69 is abnormal and someone with 70 normal
• an alternative way of defining abnormality is failure to function adequately. this means people are judged on their ability to go about daily life. if they cant do this and are also experiencing distress (or others are distressed by their behaviour) then it is considered a sign of abnormality
• practical applications

  all assessment of patients with mental disorders includes some comparison to statistical norms. intellectual disability disorder demonstrates how statistical infrequency can be used. statistical infrequency is thus a useful part of clinical assessment
• i&d

  • ethics - protection from harm. individuals could experience psychological harm from the labelling of abnormal
  • scientific and objective