AQA A Level Psychology Psychopathology
Complete Questions with Correct Answers
GRADED A+ Latest 2025/2026
1. Define the four definitions of Abnormality: 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 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,
1/9
,unusual behaviours occurring frequently. (using distribution curve)
2. Outline Limitations of 'Deviation from Social Norms' as a
definition of abnormality.: -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.
3. Outline Limitations of 'Failure to Function Adequately' as a
definition of abnormality.: -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.
4. Outline Limitations of 'Deviation from Ideal Mental Health' as a
definition of abnormality.: -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
2/9
, potential but someone else may think you aren't.
5. Outline Limitations of 'Statistical Deviation' as a definition of
abnormality.-
: -Characteristics that are 'abnormal' are not all negative for example
having a IQ
3/9
Complete Questions with Correct Answers
GRADED A+ Latest 2025/2026
1. Define the four definitions of Abnormality: 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 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,
1/9
,unusual behaviours occurring frequently. (using distribution curve)
2. Outline Limitations of 'Deviation from Social Norms' as a
definition of abnormality.: -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.
3. Outline Limitations of 'Failure to Function Adequately' as a
definition of abnormality.: -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.
4. Outline Limitations of 'Deviation from Ideal Mental Health' as a
definition of abnormality.: -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
2/9
, potential but someone else may think you aren't.
5. Outline Limitations of 'Statistical Deviation' as a definition of
abnormality.-
: -Characteristics that are 'abnormal' are not all negative for example
having a IQ
3/9
