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EnglandPsychologyQuick questions
Paper 2: Applications of Psychology - Clinical psychology
Quick questions on Diagnosis of mental disorders: DSM, ICD, reliability and validity - Edexcel A-Level Psychology
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is defining abnormality?Show answer
Each definition has limits. Statistical infrequency cannot distinguish desirable rarity (high IQ) from undesirable rarity (depression). Deviation from social norms is culturally and historically relative (homosexuality was once classified as a disorder). Failure to function can mislabel non-conformists, and Jahoda's ideal mental health is so demanding that almost everyone would be classed abnormal.
What is rosenhan (1973)?Show answer
Rosenhan sent eight healthy pseudopatients to psychiatric hospitals, each claiming to hear a voice saying "empty", "hollow" and "thud". All were admitted, most diagnosed with schizophrenia. Once inside, they behaved normally, yet staff reinterpreted normal behaviour (note-taking) as symptoms. They were discharged after an average of 19 days with schizophrenia "in remission".
What is q1?Show answer
Outline two ways of defining abnormality. [4 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain what Rosenhan's study suggests about the validity of diagnosis. [3 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Assess the reliability and validity of the diagnosis of mental disorders. [8 marks]
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