Deviation from Social Norms (Online Lesson)

This online lesson explores the key concepts in the deviation from social norms definition of abnormality, and provides opportunities to develop and practice your exam skills.

WHAT YOU'LL STUDY IN THIS ONLINE LESSON

• The concept of deviation from social norms and examples to use in exams
• Critical thinking about the use of deviation of social norms as a definition of abnormality
• How to decode exam questions to maximise your exam success

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.

VIDEO ACTIVITY 1

In this video activity, you will take a look at what is meant by deviation from social norms, examples that you can use in your exams and the distinction between social and cultural norms.

VIDEO ACTIVITY 2

In this video and activity, you will explore some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration when evaluating deviation from social norms, and develop your critical thinking skills.

VIDEO ACTIVITY 3

In this video you will work to develop your written evaluation skills, using a writing frame to help you reach level 4 standards of evaluation.

Now, take a few minutes to play a quick game. Can you match the key phrases relating to deviations from social norms with their definitions?

VIDEO ACTIVITY 4

In this video you will explore some example exam answers, mark schemes and have a go at applying the mark schemes.

VIDEO ACTIVITY 5

In this video you will explore ways to decode exam questions to reduce the likelihood that you interpret questions wrong, something that can happen to any student at any time.

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.

Extension Activity

For an extension task, you can investigate the impact of cultural differences on this definition of abnormality even further.

For example, consider cultural differences in:

• More hand gesture examples
• What is legal and illegal
• What is considered intelligence
• What is considered beautiful

This investigation will provide you some more examples and a deeper understanding of how culture effects what we determine to be normal or abnormal behavior.

ADDITIONAL TEACHER GUIDANCE

This online lesson comprises:

• 5 x video-based activities, totalling around 30 minutes of guided video
• 20-25 minutes (throughout the videos) of "thinking time" and short activities
• 4 interactive games, reviewing knowledge of deviation from social norms - these games can be played several times

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