statistical infrequency

What are statistics about?

numbers

What is statistical infrequency?

Implies that a disorder is abnormal if its frequency is more than two standard deviations away from the mean represented on a normally-distributed bell curve.

example of statistical infrequency?

IQ - peoples scores will cluster around the average but the further we go above or below the average the few people will attain that score (most abnormal is above or below the 2SD - standard deviation)

what does normal distribution mean?

a symmetrical probability distribution where most data points cluster around the mean

where is statistical infrequency used?

clinical diagnoses of mental health disorders as a comparison with a baseline or ‘normal’ value which is used to assess the severity of the disorder - e.g 1% of population have schizophrenia

Why can statistical infrequency be a limitation?

it makes assumptions that any abnormal characteristics are automatically negative such as an IQ score of 130+ is ‘abnormal’ but they would be a genius

What are rare behaviors and conditions considered as?

Statistically abnormal

What is a distribution curve?

used to represent the proportions of a population who share a particular characteristic

strengths of statistical infrequency?

provides clear points of comparison between people making it easy to test