approaches in psychology - keywords in comparison.

Question 1

What is meant by “reductionism”?

Answer 1

Belief that behaviour is explained through breaking it down into smaller parts.

Question 2

What is meant by “holism”?

Answer 2

Idea that human behaviour should be viewed as a whole integrated experience and not separate parts.

Question 3

What is meant by “freewill”?

Answer 3

Idea that humans can make choices and are not determined by internal/external forces.

Question 4

What is meant by “determinism”?

Answer 4

Individuals behaviour is shaped or controlled by internal/external forces rather than the individuals will to do something.

Question 5

What is meant by “nature”?

Answer 5

Behaviour that is produced by innate biological factors.

Question 6

What is meant by “nurture”?

Answer 6

Behaviour that is produced by external environmental factors.

Question 7

What is meant by “idiographic”?

Answer 7

Focuses on an individual case rather than aiming to formulate general laws of behaviour.

Question 8

What is meant by “nomothetic”?

Answer 8

Attempts to study human behaviour through the development of general principles and universal laws.