Chapter 4 Theoretical Perspectives - Anderson University

191 Pages·2009·4.82 MB·English

Chapter 4
Theoretical Perspectives
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The Purpose of
Theoretical Perspectives
in Abnormal Psychology
Theoretical perspectives influence the
ways in which clinicians and
researchers interpret and organize
their observations about behavior.
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Major Theoretical Perspectives
• Statistical
• Psychodynamic
• Biological
• Behavioral and
cognitive
• Humanistic
• Sociocultural
• Integrative approach
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The Statistical Perspective
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The Statistical Perspective
• Common sense notion
• “By definition” Ab - norm, against
the norm
• Hides the complexity involved in
the terms
• Hides the complexity involved in
the reality
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The Statistical Perspective
Problems
• Two ended.
• Cut offs?
• Which traits?
• How developed?
Statistical Perspective
Advantages
• Numerical prestige
• Numerical precision
• Support of “low frequency” view
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Statistical--disadvantages
• Low frequency not always pathology
• Cutoffs undefined
• Critical dimensions unspecified
• Causes unspecified
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Statistical Perspective
• What is the basic idea of the statistical
perspective?
• What moral issues does the statistical
perspective raise?
• How should Christians respond to
persons with low frequency behavior?
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