Final answer:
Informal assessment of behavior as normal or abnormal is typically done by comparing it to cultural norms and personal judgment. Sociologists and medical anthropologists use various research methods like case studies, ethnographic interviews, and statistical analyses to systematically study behaviors within societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
To informally assess whether a behavior is normal or abnormal, one might compare it to cultural norms and personal judgment. This informal method leverages the observer's understanding of societal expectations and personal experiences to gauge the appropriateness of a behavior. This approach is based on subjective assessments and is not a structured diagnostic process.
The formal study of societal trends and behaviors often relies on systematic approaches similar to those used in scientific research. Methods such as ethnographic interviews, health decision-making analysis, and the examination of social pressures and patterns fall under the expertise of sociologists and medical anthropologists. They employ various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to understand and analyze behaviors within a culture.
When considering Sigmund Freud's approach to developing his theory of human personality, it's evident that he employed a type of research known as a case study. Case studies involve in-depth investigations over extended periods and provide detailed insights into complex phenomena such as human behavior.