Psychopathology is a core part of A-Level Psychology. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Statistical InfrequencyBehaviour rare in the population (e.g. IQ below 70).
Deviation from NormsBehaviour violating social standards.
Failure to FunctionUnable to cope with everyday demands.
Ideal Mental HealthJahoda's six criteria for healthy functioning.
Rosenhan & SeligmanProposed seven signs of failure to function.
Cultural RelativismNorms differ between cultures — affects all four definitions.
OCDObsessive-compulsive disorder — obsessions and compulsions.
ObsessionPersistent intrusive thought causing anxiety.
CompulsionRepetitive behaviour performed to reduce anxiety.
Candidate GeneGene linked to disorder, e.g. SERT (serotonin transporter).
Diathesis-StressGenetic vulnerability triggered by environmental stress.
SSRISelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor — first-line OCD drug.
Two-Process ModelMowrer 1947 — phobias acquired by classical, maintained by operant conditioning.
Systematic DesensitisationWolpe gradual exposure paired with relaxation.
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
Why is high IQ a problem for the statistical infrequency definition?✗ Because high IQ is actually common. ✓ It is statistically rare but not abnormal/undesirable.
Why does the cognitive approach use INFERENCE?✗ Because cognitive psychologists guess instead of measuring. ✓ Mental processes cannot be directly observed, so they are inferred from behaviour.
Which definition uses an IQ score below 70 as a threshold?✗ Deviation from social norms ✓ Statistical infrequency
How do SSRIs help with OCD?✗ They directly produce more serotonin in the brain. ✓ They prevent reabsorption of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse.
What does the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia state?✗ Schizophrenia is caused by too little dopamine. ✓ Positive symptoms are linked to excess dopamine activity in mesolimbic pathways.
Practise Psychopathology — free games
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