Key Terms of Reductionism Vs Holism

Question 1

Holism

Answer 1

Any attempt to break up human behaviour is inappropriate as these can only be understood by analysing the person as a whole. E.g. humanism is holistic as brings together all aspects of person.

Question 2

Reductionism

Answer 2

Breaking up complex phenomenon down into more simple components as it is believed human behaviour is best understood by breaking it up. E.g. behaviourist approach breaks the complex learning process into simple stimulus-response relationships.

Question 3

Biological Reductionism

Answer 3

All behaviour can be explained through neurochemical, evolutionary, and genetic influences as all biological organisms. Occurs at a physiological and neurochemical level.

Question 4

Environmental Reductionism

Answer 4

Behaviour can be broken down into simple behaviour and event relationship e.g. stimulus-response links. Occurs at a physical level.

Question 5

Levels of Explanations

Answer 5

Explanations of behaviour on the same phenomena that can vary from those at a lower level focusing on basic components (e.g. neurotransmitters) to those at a higher more holistic multivariable level i.e. socio-cultural level that considers social and cultural variables.