Abnormality Through Statistical Deviation
Explore how deviation from statistical norms is used to define abnormality, especially in deciding the need for diagnosis. Discover the strengths and limitations of this approach in assessing traits like intelligence, aggression, and empathy.
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Presentation Transcript
Deviation from statistical norms as a definition of abnormality
Learning objectives Deviance from statistical norms as a way deciding whether someone might need a diagnosis You should be able to . Describe Explain/discuss Assess/evaluate/to what extent
Deviation from statistical norms Standardised tests used to measure traits, e.g. intelligence, aggression, empathy etc Used to determine what is statistically normal/abnormal within a population If you are within 2 standard deviations of the mean, you are normal If you are three standard deviations or more from the mean you are abnormal
Strengths of this definition The rules can be applied objectively with little training You just have to get the person to complete the test and then work out their score and compare it with the mean This is important as it means the rule can be applied fairly, regardless of age, gender, race etc. This can be useful to prioritise cases when you need to work out who is most in need of treatment for example.
Limitations of this definition Rare but socially desirable traits are also classed as abnormal, e.g. high levels of intelligence The cut off points are arbitrary, meaning that it doesn t take into consideration people s subjective sense of distress or dysfunction The norms may have been developed on a population of people to whom the individual does not belong and therefore it is not valid to compare them with these people.
