Definitions of Abnormality - Statistical Infrequency (Online Lesson)

This online lesson focuses on a mathematical method for defining abnormality - statistical infrequency - using a series of structured tasks and activities to develop knowledge and build exam skills.

WHAT YOU'LL STUDY IN THIS ONLINE LESSON

• An overview of statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality
• How to build top level evaluation in relation to the strengths and limitations of statistical infrequency
• Explore exam style questions and how to respond to them

HOW TO USE THIS LESSON

Follow along in order of the activities shown below. Some are interactive game-based activities designed to test your understanding. Others are based on short videos, that include activities for you to think about and try at home.

If you would like to download a simple worksheet to accompany the video activities, you can download it here. Alternatively, just use a piece of paper.

LET'S GET STARTED...

VIDEO ACTIVITY 1

In this video activity, you explore what ‘statistical infrequency’ really means and how it is used to determine what may or may not be abnormal. You will explore how normal distribution curves are used, and how standard deviations can help to identify abnormalities.

Now, take a few minutes to play a quick game. Can you match the key phrases relating to statistical infrequency with their definitions?

VIDEO ACTIVITY 2

In this video and activity, you assess your knowledge of statistical infrequency through several tasks that help consolidate your A01 skills.

VIDEO ACTIVITY 3

In this video and activity, the strengths/advantages of statistical infrequency are reviewed and we use some writing frames to help you to develop high quality and structured evaluation.

Try this activity where you have 60 seconds to match some of the key terms that we have covered with their definitions.

VIDEO ACTIVITY 4

In this video and activity, you will explore a range of limitations / disadvantages of statistical infrequency and will start to develop you counter criticism skills to help you write level 4 style evaluations.

VIDEO ACTIVITY 5

In this video and activity, you get the opportunity to put your learning to the test as we look at a range of exam style questions, top tips on how to interpret and approach them, and a change to look at some suggested answers in comparison to your own.

Test your understanding of all of the key elements of what we have covered using this multi-choice quiz.

Now try this activity. You will see 16 phrases or terms that have been used in this lesson. Can you connect them into 4 different groups?

Before you finish, try this last activity. You will be given the first part of a question and must eliminate any 'impossible answers'. When the full question is revealed choose the correct answer to score points.

ADDITIONAL READING

The site mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics reveals mental health statistics. Read this article to explore how rare/common a range of disorders are and break this down further by different groups of people in society.

ADDITIONAL TEACHER GUIDANCE

This online lesson comprises:

• 5 x video-based activities, totalling around 30 minutes of guided video
• 25-30 minutes (throughout the videos) of "thinking time" and short activities
• 5 interactive games, reviewing knowledge of statistical infrequency - these games can be played several times
• An enriching extension article for students who are particularly interested in developing their understanding and extending their learning

If students complete all tasks fully, we would estimate that this online lesson will require around 1.5 hours work.