AQA PSYCHOLOGY - ABNORMALITY EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE
4 definitions of Abnormality
1) Statistical Deviation
2) Deviation from Social Norm
3) Failure to function Adequately
4) Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Definition of Statistical Deviation
Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic e.g. being more depressed or less intelligent
than the rest of the population.
Statistical deviation comes in when there is a characteristic that can be measured e.g. IQ
Defining anything as abnormal or normal depends on the number of times it is observed. The more we
observe it, the more it is known as normal.
Advantages of Statistical Deviation
+ It can be applied to everyday life as it is used in diagnosis of mental health patients
+ Every assessment of a patient needs some kind of measurement, as statistical deviation is a type of
measurement it can be used in clinical assessment
Disadvantages of Statistical Deviation
, - Can't be used alone because if someone is statistically abnormal it isn't necessarily bad or they might
not need treatment
- Being labelled can have a negative impact on someones life. Statistically they may be abnormal but
they may feel comfortable in themselves
Example of Statistical Deviation
The average I.Q is 100. The majority (68%) have an I.Q between 85 and 115, therefore they are
considered as normal. Only 2% of people have an I.Q of 70 or below therefore they are considered
abnormal. These people are likely to receive the diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder.
Definition of Deviation from Social Norm
A persons thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the rules about what is expected or
acceptable in a particular social group. e.g. in the UK it is social norm to queue in a shop and wait your
turn.
Advantages of Deviation from Social Norm
+ Flexibility: Social norm is flexible dependent on age and gender
+ Clarity: You will be aware of what is and isn't acceptable
+ Helps Society: Following social norms creates a more ordered and predictable society
Disadvantages of Deviation from Social Norm
- Change over time: can lead to a lack of consensus between generations
- Cultural differences: There can be so much variation which makes social norms unclear
- Ethical Differences: Social Norms tend to be dictated by the majority on a culture, meaning there are
sections in society where behaviour is seen as normal within a culture but not in the culture as a whole.
AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE
4 definitions of Abnormality
1) Statistical Deviation
2) Deviation from Social Norm
3) Failure to function Adequately
4) Deviation from Ideal Mental Health
Definition of Statistical Deviation
Occurs when an individual has a less common characteristic e.g. being more depressed or less intelligent
than the rest of the population.
Statistical deviation comes in when there is a characteristic that can be measured e.g. IQ
Defining anything as abnormal or normal depends on the number of times it is observed. The more we
observe it, the more it is known as normal.
Advantages of Statistical Deviation
+ It can be applied to everyday life as it is used in diagnosis of mental health patients
+ Every assessment of a patient needs some kind of measurement, as statistical deviation is a type of
measurement it can be used in clinical assessment
Disadvantages of Statistical Deviation
, - Can't be used alone because if someone is statistically abnormal it isn't necessarily bad or they might
not need treatment
- Being labelled can have a negative impact on someones life. Statistically they may be abnormal but
they may feel comfortable in themselves
Example of Statistical Deviation
The average I.Q is 100. The majority (68%) have an I.Q between 85 and 115, therefore they are
considered as normal. Only 2% of people have an I.Q of 70 or below therefore they are considered
abnormal. These people are likely to receive the diagnosis of intellectual disability disorder.
Definition of Deviation from Social Norm
A persons thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the rules about what is expected or
acceptable in a particular social group. e.g. in the UK it is social norm to queue in a shop and wait your
turn.
Advantages of Deviation from Social Norm
+ Flexibility: Social norm is flexible dependent on age and gender
+ Clarity: You will be aware of what is and isn't acceptable
+ Helps Society: Following social norms creates a more ordered and predictable society
Disadvantages of Deviation from Social Norm
- Change over time: can lead to a lack of consensus between generations
- Cultural differences: There can be so much variation which makes social norms unclear
- Ethical Differences: Social Norms tend to be dictated by the majority on a culture, meaning there are
sections in society where behaviour is seen as normal within a culture but not in the culture as a whole.
