Homework Clinic
Social Science Clinic => Psychology => Topic started by: humphriesbr@me.com on Jun 22, 2018
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Explain how abnormal behavior can be defined in terms of statistical norms.
Anyone know the answer?
Question 2
Describe the problems that are associated with attempts to define abnormal behavior in terms of (a) personal distress and (b) statistical rarity.
Thank you
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Answer to Question 1
Answer: Statistical norms define abnormal behavior in terms of how common or rare it is in the general population. By this definition, people with unusually high levels of anxiety or depression would be considered abnormal because their experience deviates from the expected norm.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: (a) The individual may not demonstrate insight into the condition, and the behaviors may bother others but not the individual. (b) The cutoff for statistical rarity might be arbitrary and would be different for different disorders. Statistical rarity doesn't address the issue of whether the behavior is harmful or not harmful. Moreover, some mental disorders are actually quite common.