AQA A Level Psychology
Psychopathology Exam 2026 Questions
and Answers
Define the four definitions of Abnormality - Correct answer-Definition 1:
Deviation from Social Norms - Standards of acceptable behaviour are set by a
social group and anything that deviates from this behaviour is deemed abnormal. In
the past being homosexual was seen as deviant from social norms, campaigners
have now changed the social perception and have made it normal. This proves that
this explanation is subject to change.
Definition 2: Failure to Function Adequately - This is where people are not able to
cope with everyday demands such as eating in public. It interferes with everyday
life and the individual judges when their behaviour becomes abnormal.
Definition 3: Deviation from Ideal Mental Health - Physical illness being defined
as the absence of signs of physical healthiness. This definition says we should look
at mental illness in the same way, there are 6 categories that if are not there then
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,this would suggest mental illness. They are: Self Attitudes, Self Actualisation (max
potential), Integration, Autonomy, Reality and Mastery of Environment.
Definition 4: Statistical Deviation - Uses numbers to define abnormality, unusual
behaviours occurring frequently. (using distribution curve)
Outline Limitations of 'Deviation from Social Norms' as a definition of
abnormality. - Correct answer--It lacks any cultural relativism as different actions
are considered normal in different cultures thus the definition cannot be
generalised across cultures.
-The definition will need to evolve with time as social norms do.
-There is no objective factual way of saying wether what someone is doing is
deviating from social norms or not.
Outline Limitations of 'Failure to Function Adequately' as a definition of
abnormality. - Correct answer--Not everyone admits when they are failing as some
may feel content with the way they are functioning, making it difficult to diagnose.
-It may not be obvious that someone is not functioning, therefore it is difficult to
diagnose using this definition alone.
-It lacks cultural relativism, as what is considered adequate in on culture differs to
another.
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, Outline Limitations of 'Deviation from Ideal Mental Health' as a definition of
abnormality. - Correct answer--The criteria that we should meet is over demanding,
can individuals realistically achieve all 6 categories at once.
-Also the definition lacks cultural relativism, collectivist cultures believe in the
greater good for the community but individualistic cultures believe in the
'autonomy' therefore it cannot be generalised across cultures.
-The definitions are all very subjective, you think you achieving to full potential
but someone else may think you aren't.
Outline Limitations of 'Statistical Deviation' as a definition of abnormality. -
Correct answer--Characteristics that are 'abnormal' are not all negative for example
having a IQ would make you technically abnormal but you wouldn't want to treat
it.
-If someone is happy and content with their life then there is no point in labelling
them abnormal just because the don't fit in with everyone else's statistics.
Outline the Behavioural, Emotional and Cognitive characteristics for Phobias -
Correct answer-Behavioural
Panic, in response to a stimulus people may freeze of scream and run away.
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Psychopathology Exam 2026 Questions
and Answers
Define the four definitions of Abnormality - Correct answer-Definition 1:
Deviation from Social Norms - Standards of acceptable behaviour are set by a
social group and anything that deviates from this behaviour is deemed abnormal. In
the past being homosexual was seen as deviant from social norms, campaigners
have now changed the social perception and have made it normal. This proves that
this explanation is subject to change.
Definition 2: Failure to Function Adequately - This is where people are not able to
cope with everyday demands such as eating in public. It interferes with everyday
life and the individual judges when their behaviour becomes abnormal.
Definition 3: Deviation from Ideal Mental Health - Physical illness being defined
as the absence of signs of physical healthiness. This definition says we should look
at mental illness in the same way, there are 6 categories that if are not there then
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 1
,this would suggest mental illness. They are: Self Attitudes, Self Actualisation (max
potential), Integration, Autonomy, Reality and Mastery of Environment.
Definition 4: Statistical Deviation - Uses numbers to define abnormality, unusual
behaviours occurring frequently. (using distribution curve)
Outline Limitations of 'Deviation from Social Norms' as a definition of
abnormality. - Correct answer--It lacks any cultural relativism as different actions
are considered normal in different cultures thus the definition cannot be
generalised across cultures.
-The definition will need to evolve with time as social norms do.
-There is no objective factual way of saying wether what someone is doing is
deviating from social norms or not.
Outline Limitations of 'Failure to Function Adequately' as a definition of
abnormality. - Correct answer--Not everyone admits when they are failing as some
may feel content with the way they are functioning, making it difficult to diagnose.
-It may not be obvious that someone is not functioning, therefore it is difficult to
diagnose using this definition alone.
-It lacks cultural relativism, as what is considered adequate in on culture differs to
another.
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, Outline Limitations of 'Deviation from Ideal Mental Health' as a definition of
abnormality. - Correct answer--The criteria that we should meet is over demanding,
can individuals realistically achieve all 6 categories at once.
-Also the definition lacks cultural relativism, collectivist cultures believe in the
greater good for the community but individualistic cultures believe in the
'autonomy' therefore it cannot be generalised across cultures.
-The definitions are all very subjective, you think you achieving to full potential
but someone else may think you aren't.
Outline Limitations of 'Statistical Deviation' as a definition of abnormality. -
Correct answer--Characteristics that are 'abnormal' are not all negative for example
having a IQ would make you technically abnormal but you wouldn't want to treat
it.
-If someone is happy and content with their life then there is no point in labelling
them abnormal just because the don't fit in with everyone else's statistics.
Outline the Behavioural, Emotional and Cognitive characteristics for Phobias -
Correct answer-Behavioural
Panic, in response to a stimulus people may freeze of scream and run away.
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