However, no one element is enough to define or determine abnormality. For instance, one could be suffering due to the death of a loved one, and still be in the confines of normality. In addition, as society changes so does its definition of deviant behavior changes. For instance in the past being homosexual was considered to be a psychiatric condition …show more content…
What is the DSM V and how does it define mental disorder?
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM is used to diagnose mental and behavioral conditions. The fifth edition, the DSM-5, was released on May 18, 2013 and it has replaced DSM-4.
The DSM changes periodically throughout the years to reflect new research and ongoing psychiatric practice. The criteria are changed to improve the accuracy of the diagnoses and to allow clinicians the ability to describe specific symptoms seen in individuals. The DSM does not provide information as to the cause of mental disorders.
The DSM-5 classifies and defines clinically significant disturbance in behavior, emotional regulation, or cognitive function that is associated with distress or disability whether it be biological, psychological, or developmental dysfunction in an individual.
In order to be diagnosed with a new mental disorder it must fit within the confines of the DSM-5 criteria for each mental disorder.
3. What is an observational research design and how can such an approach further our understanding of abnormal behavior. What limitations are there of such designs and how can these be …show more content…
Just as a control group is used in an experiment, a control group must be used when conducting observational research. It is important, however, to recognize that no conclusions can be made about cause and effect. Correlational data, observing that two factors are related, does not permit such conclusions to be made as other factors may be the true cause for the observed relationship.
For example, if a researcher observes a correlation between obesity and depression, it can't be concluded that depression causes obesity or that obesity causes depression. While either may be true, it cannot be determined from such data. In addition to these obvious causal connections, there could be additional factors that are causing both problems. Thus, while observational research designs provide information as to how things are related, no conclusions can be made as to cause and effect.
There is no manipulation of variables in observational research.
It is often unethical or impossible to directly manipulate the variables involved in abnormal psychology. What is the most important limitation of correlational studies? They cannot determine cause and effect.
Collecting information without asking participants directly for