AQA A-Level
Psychology – Paper 1
,Psychopathology
1. Definitions of Abnormality
2. Phobias
3. Depression
4. OCD
, Definitions of Abnormality
Deviation From Social Norms
This means to move away from an accepted standard; behaviour that deviates from th
norm is abnormal, abnormal behaviour is whatever violates social norms.
This definitions allows a distinction between desirable and undesirable behaviours a
identifies those who are behaving undesirably as social deviants.
An example of a clinical disorder classed as abnormal under this definition is Tourett
syndrome, as someone with this disorder may deviate from social norms of not sweari
in public spaces.
Evaluations
- WEAKNESS: Social Norms Change Over Time; norms of society changes as social
attitudes change, such as homosexuality (removed from DSM classification of ment
disorders in 1990), questions temporal validity of this definition as we can't guaran
they are abnormal in modern society, outdated approach.
- WEAKNESS: Cultural + Ethnic Differences; social norms vary within and
across cultures, questions population validity, may be abnormal in one culture but
accepted in another.
- WEAKNESS: Comparison with Other Treatments – Holistic Approach is More
Appropriate; subjective nature, fails to consider some aspects of a clinical diagnosis
reductionist definition and too simplistic, can lead to incorrect classification.
Psychology – Paper 1
,Psychopathology
1. Definitions of Abnormality
2. Phobias
3. Depression
4. OCD
, Definitions of Abnormality
Deviation From Social Norms
This means to move away from an accepted standard; behaviour that deviates from th
norm is abnormal, abnormal behaviour is whatever violates social norms.
This definitions allows a distinction between desirable and undesirable behaviours a
identifies those who are behaving undesirably as social deviants.
An example of a clinical disorder classed as abnormal under this definition is Tourett
syndrome, as someone with this disorder may deviate from social norms of not sweari
in public spaces.
Evaluations
- WEAKNESS: Social Norms Change Over Time; norms of society changes as social
attitudes change, such as homosexuality (removed from DSM classification of ment
disorders in 1990), questions temporal validity of this definition as we can't guaran
they are abnormal in modern society, outdated approach.
- WEAKNESS: Cultural + Ethnic Differences; social norms vary within and
across cultures, questions population validity, may be abnormal in one culture but
accepted in another.
- WEAKNESS: Comparison with Other Treatments – Holistic Approach is More
Appropriate; subjective nature, fails to consider some aspects of a clinical diagnosis
reductionist definition and too simplistic, can lead to incorrect classification.
