Statistical infrequency

• What is statistical infrequency?


  Any behaviour that is found in very few people that is viewed as abnormal.
• What is the aim of statistics that measure certain characteristics or behaviours?

  To see how they are distributed among the general population.
• On a distribution graph where are the abnormal people placed?

  Normally at the edges of the graph (far left and far right).
• So then what separates normal and abnormal people?

  Quantity as there are more people classed normal than abnormal
• Why may statistical infrequency not be the best way to measure for abnormalities?

  Something that it classes as an abnormality may actually be a desirable trait
• Give an example of a statistical trait that is not frequent but desirable.

  For example a high IQ test score would be classed as abnormal but it is a highly desirable trait.
• What does this tell us about the issues with using statistical infrequency?

  It is unable to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviors and this means more research needs to be done to find a way of identifying infrequent and undesirable traits
• What is the issue with determining a cut-off point between normality and abnormality

  It is subjective as people have different opinion about what is normal and abnormal.
• If statistical infrequency is subjective-based then what does this mean?

  That it may not be the most accurate way to define abnormality as people have different ideas about what the cutoff point should be.