Statistical infrequency

Question 1

statistical infrequency

Answer 1

Statistical Infrequency occurs when an individual possesses a less common characteristic than most of the population = statistically rare e.g. IQ scores

Any relatively unusual behaviour = abnormal = quite rare/ statistically infrequent e.g. 130 (highly intelligent), 70(significantly low) compared to 100 = average

display –> Normal Distribution curve = mode, median, mean

Question 2

ads of statistical infrequency

Answer 2

• good thing
• objective

Question 3

disads of statistical infrequency

Answer 3

• labelling
• cut off point

Question 4

good thing - ads of statistical infrequency

Answer 4

• to have an IQ score over 130 is just as unusual or statistically infrequent as having an IQ score below 70
• However, being very intelligent with an IQ score over 130 is not a negative behaviour
  = but is actually quite positive and desirable!
• Just because a behaviour is statistically
  infrequent does not mean that the person is abnormal and requires treatment
  = Statistical infrequency can be a good thing

Question 5

objective - ads of statistical infrequency

Answer 5

• judgements are based on objective, scientific + unbiased data
  = can help indicate abnormality and normality, (for example the IQ scores)
• The results from these tests can indicate whether someone needs psychological help and assistance
• e.g. an IQ score below 70 could
  indicate mental disability

Question 6

labelling - disads of statistical infrequency

Answer 6

• it involves labelling some people as abnormal = not beneficial
• A person with a low IQ of 70 might be labelled in a negative manner by other members of society
  = could have a negative effect upon them + how they view themselves
  = could affect self confidence and self esteem + lead to further problems

Question 7

cut off point - disads of statistical infrequency

Answer 7

• criticised because there seems to be a subjective cut off point between statistical infrequency (abnormality) and normality
• We need to decide the dividing line between where normality + abnormality starts + ends
  = this is very subjective
  = for instance an IQ of 70 is abnormal
  + statistically infrequent, but an IQ score of 71 is normal?
  = The cut off point can be questioned