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A-level Psychology AQA
Psychpathology Questions and Correct
Answers/ Latest Update / Already
Graded
Cultural relativism
Ans: The view that behaviour cannot be judged properly unless it is
viewed in the context of the culture in which it originates.
Deviation from social norms
Ans: Abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from unstated rules
about how one 'ought' to behave. Anything that violates these rules is
considered abnormal.
Statistical infrequency
Ans: Abnormality is defined as those behaviours that are extremely rare.
Evaluation of deviation from social norms
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Ans: Varies as time changes, Susceptible to abuse
Related to context and degree
Strengths - distinguishes between desirable and undesirable, takes
account the affect it has on others.
Evaluation of statistical infrequency
Ans: Some abnormal behaviour is desirable (eg IQ)
Cut off point is subjectively determined
Deviation from ideal mental health
Ans: Abnormality is defined in terms of mental health, behaviours that
are associated with competence and happiness. Ideal mental health
would include a positive attitude towards the self, resistance to stress and
an accurate perception of reality.
Failure to function adequately
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Ans: People are judged on their ability to go about daily life. If they can't
do this and are also experiencing distress (or others are distressed by their
behaviour) then it is considered a sign of abnormality.
Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health
Ans: Unrealistic criteria
Suggests that mental health is the same a physical health.
Approach focuses on the positives rather than the negatives (desirable
rather than undesirable)
Evaluation of failure to function adequately
A-level Psychology AQA
Psychpathology Questions and Correct
Answers/ Latest Update / Already
Graded
Cultural relativism
Ans: The view that behaviour cannot be judged properly unless it is
viewed in the context of the culture in which it originates.
Deviation from social norms
Ans: Abnormal behaviour is seen as a deviation from unstated rules
about how one 'ought' to behave. Anything that violates these rules is
considered abnormal.
Statistical infrequency
Ans: Abnormality is defined as those behaviours that are extremely rare.
Evaluation of deviation from social norms
,2 | Page
Ans: Varies as time changes, Susceptible to abuse
Related to context and degree
Strengths - distinguishes between desirable and undesirable, takes
account the affect it has on others.
Evaluation of statistical infrequency
Ans: Some abnormal behaviour is desirable (eg IQ)
Cut off point is subjectively determined
Deviation from ideal mental health
Ans: Abnormality is defined in terms of mental health, behaviours that
are associated with competence and happiness. Ideal mental health
would include a positive attitude towards the self, resistance to stress and
an accurate perception of reality.
Failure to function adequately
, 3 | Page
Ans: People are judged on their ability to go about daily life. If they can't
do this and are also experiencing distress (or others are distressed by their
behaviour) then it is considered a sign of abnormality.
Evaluation of deviation from ideal mental health
Ans: Unrealistic criteria
Suggests that mental health is the same a physical health.
Approach focuses on the positives rather than the negatives (desirable
rather than undesirable)
Evaluation of failure to function adequately
