Holism vs reductionism- ISSUES AND DEBATES Flashcards

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1
Q

AO1- reductionism

A
  • break down complex phenomena into its constituent parts and analyse it
  • very scientific in that the smaller parts make it more testable
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2
Q

Examples of reductionism

A

BIOLOGICAL= break down behaviour into evolutionary, genetic, hormonal, neurochemical explanations.

ENVIRONMENTAL= complex learning experiences are broken down into simple stimulus-response actions which can be studied in the lab. Not concerned with mental processes, believe they have no influence upon behaviour.

INTROSPECTION= Wundt tried to break down conscious experience into feelings and sensations

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3
Q

AO3- strengths of reductionism

A
  • very scientific and analytical
  • easily tested
  • by explaining behaviour by its underlying physiological movements but gives psychology the scientific support and credibility of the well-established sciences
  • unites with them to provide a more consistent and global picture of the universe
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4
Q

AO3- limitations of reductionism

A
  • its an oversimplification as reductionism often misses complex interactions , the whole may be greater than the sum of its parts
  • behaviour is understood by the situation in which it’s in, not just by the underlying physiological movements. Eg a wave, important to understand why and who to they’re waving. ONLY EVER PROVIDES A PARTIAL EXPLANATION.
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5
Q

AO1- holism

A
  • looks at higher level explanations
  • can only understand behaviour truly by analysing a person as a whole
  • the whole is greater than the sum of its parts
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6
Q

Examples of holism

A
  • humanistic psychology= looks at the conscious experiences of individuals and the effects of interactions with other people
  • social psychology= looks at group behaviour as it may show characteristics that are greater than the sum of the individuals which comprise it.
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7
Q

Levels of explanation: OCD example

A
  • there are many levels of explanation for different phenomena in psychology

OCD can be explained by…

Physical level= repetitive actions
Psychological level= experiencing obsessive thoughts
Neuro - chemical level= under production of serotonin
Socio-cultural level= society would regard their actions as irrational and unusual

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8
Q

AO3- strengths of holism

A
  • doesn’t ignore the complexity of the higher levels. eg effect of conformity on social roles, the deindividuaisation of guards and prisoners, group behaviour and interactions important.
  • holistic explanations provide a more complete and global understanding of human behaviour than reductionist approaches
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9
Q

AO3- limitations of holism

A
  • the higher the levels of explanation go, the more speculative and divorced from physical reality they get—> lack the predictive validity of reductionism
  • they don’t lend themselves to rigorous scientific testing, can be vague and speculative as they become more complex
  • often ignore the influence of biology on behaviour
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10
Q

What’s an alternative to reductionism that’s not holism?

A

INTERACTIONISM

-eg diathesis stress model

  • interactionism concerned with how different levels may interact
  • this model has led to a more multi-disciplinary and ‘holistic’ approach to treatment eg combination of drugs and family therapy.
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