Abnormal psychology, as a strictly scientific discipline, seeks to observe, compare, and classify the facts of abnormal behavior for the primary purpose of understanding them, and should not be confused with the disciplines of psychiatry, medical psychology, mental hygiene, clinical psychology, psychoanalysis, or psychical research. According to the anti-normative view, the term "abnormal" is used to designate any behavior or conduct deviating markedly from the authoritative standard, model, goal, or ideal. According to the pathological view, the term "abnormal" is used to designate the morbid, pathological, or even dangerous condition of the organism and its behavior. According to the statistical view, the term "abnormal" is used to designate any and all behavior deviating from the norm or central tendency of a population or group of measures. There is nothing absolute about abnormality. There are many degrees of abnormals and abnormal reactions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)