Why we classify and the impact that classification has
Not what you're looking for?
Classification of disorders - DSM, why we classify and the impact that classification has.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Preview
Clinical Psychology: Classification of disorders
Why classify disorders?
In simple terms clinical psychology is the application of scientific methods to understand and resolves human problems. Classification helps us to do this, and enforces some homogeneity upon the groups that we investigate. This allows us to develop theories of how disorders develop, which in turn informs us about how these disorders might be treated. Without some agreement about what constitutes a particular disorder, we would not be able to unearth common underlying processes (as it would be a heterogeneous group of people), and we would be unable to communicate with other scientists and health professionals about the theories we develop.
How should we classify?
A good classification system needs to do a number of things, such as:
 Divide into mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive subclasses: Disorders should be distinct (i.e., if something belongs to one subclass it cannot belong to another) and collectively exhaustive.
 Necessary & sufficient conditions: there must be characteristics that are necessary for classification into a subclass and there must also be a set of sufficient conditions to belong to a subclass.
 Concept: once the conditions of membership have been defined, the subclass must be ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
How can you tell if your loved one is suicidal?
This is a small quiz to help determine if a loved one is suicidal and what steps should be taken to help stop suicide.
Can you name these types of cognitive distortions?
In each mini-scenario, can you identify the type of cognitive distortion being displayed? All of us are subject to cognitive errors, biases, and distortions throughout our daily lives.
Childhood Disorders (Axis 1)
This quiz is designed to test one's knowledge on childhood Principle Disorders found in the DSM-IV (1994). This is a good quiz for those who wish to pursue a career in child assessment or child development. Good luck.
Common Characteristics of Qualitative Methods
This quiz evaluates the common characteristics seen in qualitative methodology.
Brain and behaviour
Reviews areas of the brain involved in specific behaviours. This information is important for introductory psychology courses.