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Statistical definitions: This definition suggests that any behaviour,

which is statistically infrequent/rare, is considered to be abnormal. IQ,


for example, is considered to be normally distributed in our population
and if anyone who falls outside the normal – if anyone falls either
under or below 2 standard deviation of the normal distribution of IQ
where mean is 100 would be regarded as being ‘abnormal’.

Evaluation

+it gives quantitative measure , which makes it scientific and reliable


and therefore suitable: someone else administering the same test is
likely to get same results and draw same conclusion about
abnormality.
+ On a practical level this can be useful as evidence in support of
requests for assistance and funding for those individuals identified.

- ‘Abnormal’ is not necessarily undesirable as something like IQ of


130+ is likely to be seen as desirable, even if it is rare to have
such geniuses. Hence, ‘undesirability’ is not a valid measure of
what is thought of in society as abnormality.
- But there are certain behaviours, which are too frequent that
they are still considered to be abnormal for instance depression.
This shows the limitations of such definition
- Abnormal behaviour is not rare and most people are likely to
depict an abnormal( a typical) behaviour at some point in their
lives.

Social norm: this is the behaviour which subverts the social rules our
society has formed that are not laws but rather customs that we like to
follow. Such behaviour could include homosexuality, as heterosexuality
is seen as the default position. This definition also includes various
factors such as culture, context, age, gender and historical context.

Evaluation:

+ The idea of abnormality as behaviour that goes against social norm


matches what is expected in daily life when talking about abnormality.
For example it takes into account that someone who is considered to
be highly intelligent isn’t mentally ill.
+ This definition takes into account that what is considered to be
abnormal/normal would differ depending on many factors.
-But if we consider all the factors such as culture, context, historical
contest, age and gender than it is hard to conclude that it is a reliable
idea about abnormality. Which means it may carry some subjective
characteristics, as different people will see it differently. Hence, It
makes it hard to diagnose the abnormality.
- So any definition of abnormality would lack validity except one
culture, at one time, with one gender, one age group and in a
particular situation. So a diagnosis of abnormality is in doubt.

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