AQA A-Level Psychopathology Flashcards

Psychopathology
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Why must psychologist be careful when defining behaviour as abnormal?


A
It implies something undesirable and needing change

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2
Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Name the four definitions


A
Deviation from social norms, statistical infrequency, failure to function, deviation from ideal

mental health

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3
Q
DEFINTIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Define a social norm


A
A social norm is a generally accepted way of behaving in certain situations

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Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Give an example of a social norm

,A
Wearing black to a funeral

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Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Name one positive of deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality


A
When a person deviates from a social norm it can highlight how something is awry and act

as a warning flag.

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Q
DEFINTIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Give two criticisms of deviating from social norms as a definition of abnormality


A
Cultural relativism; context as social norms can change over time, for example

homosexuality

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Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Define statistical infrequency


A
Rare behaviour can be classed as abnormal

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8

, Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY

What are the two negatives of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality?


A
Cultural relativism; there is an implication that rare behaviour is undesirable, this is not

always the case

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Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Which two psychologists investigated failure to function?


A
Rosenhan and Seligman

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Q
DEFINITIONS OF ABNORMALITY

Which characteristics did Rosenhan and Seligman put forward for failing to function?


A
• Visible suffering

• Maladaptiveness

• Vividness and unconventionality

• Loss of control

• Irrationality

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