statistical frequency

what is statistical frequency?

a behaviour is abnormal if it is statistically rare

how is statistical frequency determined?

by counting the number of times a relatively usual behaviour thought of as normal occurs and determining any behaviour different to it

what graph is used to represent the proportions of a population who share a particular characteristic?

a distribution curve, where normal behaviours are around the average

what psychological disorder do people with an IQ of under 70 have?

intellectual disability disorder

what is the strength of statistical frequency?

• real life application 

• all assessments of patients with mental disorders includes a measurement of how severe their symptoms are compared to statistical norms 

• it is therefore a useful part of clinical assessment, helping people get diagnosed more accurately

• increases ecological validity of explanation

what is the weakness of statistical frequency?

• not everyone ‘unusual’ benefits from a label

• for example, someone with very low IQ who is capable of living a normal life wouldn’t need a diagnosis of intellectual disability

• if diagnosed, it might have a negative effect on the way others view them

• we must question how useful explanation is for certain individuals