AQA PSYCHOLOGY- PSYCHOPATHOLOGY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS 100% GUARANTEED PASS
Psychopathology
What are the definitions of abnormality?
-Statistical Infrequency
-Deviation of social norms
-Failure to Function adequately
-Deviation from ideal mental health
What is statistical infrequency?
Describes behaviour as normal or not based on the number of times we observe it.
If the persons scores cluster around the average then they are considered 'normal' for that category.
On either side of the average people are attain the normal distribution therefore counting as abnormal. .
What are the positives for statistical infrequency?
Objective- A cut off point is agreed
No value judgements- doesn't view homosexuals as abnormal because they are wrong just because they
are infrequent to heterosexuals.
,Appropriate- In many cases it can define abnormality.
What are the negative points for statistical infrequency?
Inappropriate- 130+ IQ would be considered abnormal but people with high-intelligence don't need
treatment
Labelling those who are living happily as abnormal if they satisfy the criteria for statistical infrequency
Cultural factors are not considered- something that may be normal in one country may be abnormal in
another
What are deviation from social norms?
When a persons behaviour is different from what we would expect it to be. Offends the sense of what is
acceptable. As a society makes a collective about what is right. Social norms vary by age, gender, culture
so universal norms are rare.
A person with anti-social disorder (psychopathy) is impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible. DSM-5 says
that we make the social judgement that psychopaths are abnormal because they don't conform to moral
standards.
What are the characteristics of people with psychopathy?
Impulsive
Aggressive
, Irresponsible
What are the positive points for deviation from social norms?
Establishes developmental and situational norms e.g- filling a nappy at age 2 (Normal). Walking around
naked at 40 (Abnormal)
Protects society from the effects of an individuals abnormal behaviour can have on others
What are negative points for deviation from social norms?
Subjective- social norms are no real and objective. Based on opinions of society. Social norms are used
control those seen as a threat to social order
Social norms change over time
Cultural relativism
What is failure to function adequately?
When a person can no longer cope with the demands of every day life.
e.g unable to maintain basic standards of nutrition; can't hold down a job or relationship.
What are Rosenhan and Seligman's points for failure to function adequately?
-Person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules e.g eye contact
-Person experiences serve personal distress
-Person's behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves and/or others.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS 100% GUARANTEED PASS
Psychopathology
What are the definitions of abnormality?
-Statistical Infrequency
-Deviation of social norms
-Failure to Function adequately
-Deviation from ideal mental health
What is statistical infrequency?
Describes behaviour as normal or not based on the number of times we observe it.
If the persons scores cluster around the average then they are considered 'normal' for that category.
On either side of the average people are attain the normal distribution therefore counting as abnormal. .
What are the positives for statistical infrequency?
Objective- A cut off point is agreed
No value judgements- doesn't view homosexuals as abnormal because they are wrong just because they
are infrequent to heterosexuals.
,Appropriate- In many cases it can define abnormality.
What are the negative points for statistical infrequency?
Inappropriate- 130+ IQ would be considered abnormal but people with high-intelligence don't need
treatment
Labelling those who are living happily as abnormal if they satisfy the criteria for statistical infrequency
Cultural factors are not considered- something that may be normal in one country may be abnormal in
another
What are deviation from social norms?
When a persons behaviour is different from what we would expect it to be. Offends the sense of what is
acceptable. As a society makes a collective about what is right. Social norms vary by age, gender, culture
so universal norms are rare.
A person with anti-social disorder (psychopathy) is impulsive, aggressive and irresponsible. DSM-5 says
that we make the social judgement that psychopaths are abnormal because they don't conform to moral
standards.
What are the characteristics of people with psychopathy?
Impulsive
Aggressive
, Irresponsible
What are the positive points for deviation from social norms?
Establishes developmental and situational norms e.g- filling a nappy at age 2 (Normal). Walking around
naked at 40 (Abnormal)
Protects society from the effects of an individuals abnormal behaviour can have on others
What are negative points for deviation from social norms?
Subjective- social norms are no real and objective. Based on opinions of society. Social norms are used
control those seen as a threat to social order
Social norms change over time
Cultural relativism
What is failure to function adequately?
When a person can no longer cope with the demands of every day life.
e.g unable to maintain basic standards of nutrition; can't hold down a job or relationship.
What are Rosenhan and Seligman's points for failure to function adequately?
-Person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules e.g eye contact
-Person experiences serve personal distress
-Person's behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous to themselves and/or others.
