statistical infrequency

• definition


  behaviours that are extremely rare.

  descriptive statisticts (mean, median, mode) represent typical data.

  we define what is normal using typical data, so we can define what is abnormal using data.

  abnormal behaviour is on either end of a graph with normal distribution.
• AO3 some abnormal behaviours are desirable


  such as having an IQ over 150

  equally, some normal behaviours that are undesirable - experiencing “depression”.
• AO3 cut-off point is subjective

  where to separate normality from abnormality?
• AO3 statistical infrequency is sometimes appropriate

  intellectual disability is defined in terms of normal distribution. anyone who has an IQ more then 2 standard deviations below the mean is judged as having a mental disorder. only used in conjunction with failure to function adequately
• AO3 cultural relativism


  behaviours statistically infrequent in on culture might be frequent in another

  e.g. symptom of schizophrenia - hearing voices - is common in some cultures.