Statistical infrequency

Statistical infrequency

Created by Diana, Iona and Theodora

Let's gather data!

What colour are your eyes? How 'abnormal' do you think you are? Let's see...

We could use a historgam to define "rare" Those people whose scores are furthest from the mean are considered statistically abnormal (2 standard deviations away from the mean)

Defintions

Behaviour that is statistically infrequent is very rearely seen in the general population

Prevalence of different disordersCould they be considered abnormal?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

About 2.3% of the population has OCD.

Depression

What recent events do you think could have influenced the rates of these disorders?

The worldwide prevalence of depression is estimated to be 4.4%.

Weaknesses

Strengths

• no distinguishement between infrequent characterisitcs that are desirable from those that are undesirable. Could you think of any example?
• some behaviour that are satistically quite frequent, but they may still consider worthy of treatment (e.g. depression; 20%)
• fail to take into account the severity of somone's condition or the impact it does have on their life

• objective, less open to bias by personal or social beliefs

What is meant by "statistical infrequency" as a definition of abnormality? (2)Is statistical infrequency a proper way to define abnormality? Explain. (4)

thank you