How are behaviors that characterize a small minority of people categorized?

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Study for the Arizona State University PSY101 Introduction to Psychology Exam 4. Strengthen your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Behaviors that characterize a small minority of people are categorized as abnormal. This classification is important in psychology as it helps differentiate between standard behaviors that are commonly exhibited by the majority of a population and those that deviate significantly from those norms. Abnormal behaviors may be indicative of mental health issues or psychological conditions that require further investigation or treatment.

In the field of psychology, the term "abnormal" encompasses a range of behaviors that can include mental health disorders. These behaviors can manifest in ways that are distressing, dysfunctional, or significantly different from societal expectations. Recognizing these behaviors as abnormal allows psychologists and mental health professionals to identify patterns that may necessitate support or intervention.

In contrast, the other classifications such as typical, socially acceptable, and normal refer to behaviors that align more closely with what is expected and common in the broader population. These terms encompass behaviors that most individuals might display, indicating they do not necessarily require specialized attention or consideration.

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