IB Psychology Flashcards: Abnormal Psychology
IB Psychology — Abnormal Psychology Flashcard Deck
20 flashcards with spaced repetition. Press Space to flip, then rate your recall (1—4).
Key Concepts
Defining Abnormality: The four definitions are statistical infrequency (uncommon behaviour), deviation from social norms (violating cultural expectations), failure to function adequately (inability to cope with daily life), and deviation from ideal mental health (not meeting criteria for psychological wellbeing). Each definition has strengths and limitations. Statistical infrequency is objective but cannot distinguish between desirable and undesirable rarity. Deviation from social norms is culturally relative and changes over time. Failure to function adequately is practical but subjective. Deviation from ideal mental health sets an unrealistically high standard.
Phobias: A persistent, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that leads to avoidance. Characteristics include anxiety symptoms (sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat), disproportionate fear relative to actual danger, and interference with daily life. Explanations include the two-process model (Mowrer’s) — classical conditioning creates the fear through association (Little Albert study), and operant conditioning maintains it through negative reinforcement (avoidance reduces anxiety, so the behaviour is reinforced). Systematic desensitisation treats phobias by gradually exposing the person to the feared stimulus while they remain relaxed, breaking the conditioned association.
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder): Characterised by obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause distress) and compulsions (repetitive behaviours performed to reduce anxiety). The cognitive explanation focuses on dysfunctional thought patterns, thought-action fusion (believing that thinking something is equivalent to doing it), and overestimation of threat. The biological explanation considers serotonin imbalances ( SSRIs are effective treatments) and genetic factors (concordance rates are higher in monozygotic than dizygotic twins). The behavioural explanation views compulsions as learned through negative reinforcement.
Depression: Characterised by persistent low mood, loss of interest (anhedonia), sleep and appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and in severe cases, suicidal ideation. The Beck’s cognitive triad proposes negative views of self (“I am worthless”), world (“Everything is pointless”), and future (“Things will never improve”). The learned helplessness model (Seligman) suggests depression results from perceived lack of control over negative events — when people believe they cannot influence outcomes, they stop trying. The monoamine hypothesis links depression to low levels of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine.
Intuition
Think of abnormality as existing on a spectrum rather than as a binary category. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but a phobia is when that anxiety becomes so intense and persistent that it controls your behaviour. OCD is like having a “broken alarm” in your brain — the anxiety signal fires when there’s no real danger, and the compulsions are attempts to turn off the alarm. Depression is like wearing grey-tinted glasses that make everything look hopeless — it distorts perception of self, world, and future. The key insight is that these disorders exist on continua with normal experience; the difference is one of degree, not kind.
Why it matters: Understanding abnormality as dimensional rather than categorical reduces stigma and helps us recognise that psychological disorders can affect anyone. It also explains why treatment works by helping people shift back along the spectrum rather than being “cured” of a binary condition.
Common Pitfalls
- Confusing obsessions with compulsions in OCD. Obsessions are the thoughts (intrusive, unwanted, cause distress); compulsions are the behaviours (repetitive actions to reduce anxiety). They are linked but distinct. An exam might ask you to identify which is which in a scenario.
- Assuming statistical infrequency always means abnormality. Being exceptionally intelligent is statistically rare but not considered abnormal — context and value judgments matter. The definition also fails because desirable rare behaviours (high intelligence, exceptional talent) are not labelled abnormal.
- Treating all definitions of abnormality as equally valid. Each captures different aspects but none is perfect. IB exams require evaluating multiple definitions and showing how they complement each other. A complete answer might argue that no single definition is sufficient and a multi-faceted approach is needed.
- Forgetting to link explanations to treatments. If you explain that OCD has a cognitive component (dysfunctional thoughts), you should mention CBT as a treatment that addresses those thoughts. If you explain the biological basis of depression, mention SSRIs. The IB rewards connections between explanations and interventions.
Common Mistakes
Confusing correlation with causation in research studies: Just because two variables are correlated (e.g., serotonin levels and depression) does not mean one causes the other. Low serotonin could be a consequence of depression, not a cause. Always check whether the study design supports causal claims (experiments > correlations).
Using colloquial language instead of psychological terminology: Saying someone is “depressed” when they mean “sad” or ” OCD” when they mean “likes things tidy” trivialises real disorders. Use precise psychological language in exams: “major depressive disorder,” “obsessive-compulsive disorder,” etc.
Forgetting to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of explanations: IB exams require evaluation, not just description. For each explanation (biological, cognitive, learning), discuss both supporting evidence and limitations. A one-sided answer loses marks.
Mixing up primary and secondary data: Primary data is collected first-hand (your own experiment). Secondary data is existing data (meta-analyses, journal articles). In research methods questions, identify which type is being used and discuss implications for validity.
Cross-References
- Cognitive: Cognitive psychology explores mental processes like memory and thinking, which are relevant to understanding cognitive distortions in depression and OCD.
- Biological: Biological psychology covers brain structures (amygdala in phobias), neurotransmitters (serotonin in depression), and genetic factors that underpin biological explanations of abnormality.
- Research Methods: Research methods are essential for investigating abnormality ethically and rigorously — case studies, experiments, and longitudinal designs all contribute evidence.
- Sociocultural: Sociocultural factors influence what is considered “abnormal” across cultures and explain how social environments contribute to disorders like depression.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.