Issues & Debates - Holism and Reductionism Flashcards
Define parsimony
The argument that the best explanation is the simplest one that fits the evidence
Define reductionism
Studying complex phenomena by breaking them down into their simplest components and testing the individual elements empirically.
Define Biological Reductionism
(Bio psych)
argues complex human behaviour is due to basic biological elements, such as inheritance or absence of specific neurotransmitter-related genes
E.G- suggests depression is caused by inherited genes affecting neurochem, leading to neurological imbalance
Define Environmental (stimulus-response) Reductionism
(Behaviourism)
PAVLOV AND SKINNER explain behaviour as due to the result of simple stimulus-response mechanisms.
E.G- they might argue that criminal behaviour in adults is a result of learning in childhood, where criminal acts were rewarded rather than punished, reinforcing criminal behaviour
Define Machine Reductionism
(Cognitive Psych)
Includes computer analogy that the brain functions like a computer’s CPU
and thought processes as software running on brain
E.G- Working Model Memory overly simplistic computational model
This mechanistic pov simplifies complex mental processes by ignoring role of emotions and irrationality
Define Holism
POV
-that a valid explanation of behaviour must include all an individual’s experiences and factors influencing their behaviour
-such as biological processes, the effect of reinforcement internal processes (including emotions), and the broader social context.
A complete explanation must also include how these various components interact and influence each other
Define Humanistic Psychologists
-take most holistic approach to psych
-argue that individuals are more than the sum of their parts and their experiences, perspceptions, and feelings are interconnected
-suggest that we can understand behaviour only by studying the whole person
-ANY attempt to reduce human experience down to separate elements would lead to a loss of the essence of what it means to be human
Examples of Humanistic Psychologists
Maslow and Rogers
What do Humanistic psychologists like Maslow and Rogers use?
Ideographic methods to investigate behaviour
Ideographic methods are:
Case studies
Interviews
-produce richer and more detailed info
Define Levels of explanation
‘explanations vary from those at a lower of fundamental level focusing on basic components or units to those at a higher, more holistic multi-variable level’
Explain aggression using the most holistic level of explanation
Social Psychology
-Aggression is due to cultural factors
-Individuals grow up in environments where aggression is valued
-Aggressive behaviour is seen as a way to earn respect and establish dominance
Explain aggression using the 2nd most holistic level of explanation
Cognitive Psychology
-Aggressive individuals have developed cognitive schemas that bias their info of situations towards aggression
-leading to aggressive responses when faced w/ ambiguous or challenging situations
Explain aggression using the 2nd most reductionist level of explanation
Behaviourism
-aggression is a consequence of reinforcement
-individuals who have been rewarded for aggressive behavior in past (EITHER BY ACHIEVING DESIRED OUTCOME OR RECEIVING POSITIVE ATTENTION) are more likely to repeat aggressive actions
Explain aggression using the most reductionist level of explanation
Biological Psychology
-Aggression results from the interaction of brain structures, neurochemicals, and genetics
-this approach considers aggression as part of an evolutionary strategy, that being capable or violent enhances survival and reproductive success
