comparison of approaches-criterion: holism and reductionism

Question 1

what are the 6 AO1 points you must know for the comparison of approaches - criterion - holism and reductionism

Answer 1

-Behaviourist Approach – Strong Environmental Reductionism
-Social Learning Theory – Mostly Reductionist with Some Holism
-Cognitive Approach – Machine Reductionism
- Biological Approach – Biological Reductionism
- Psychodynamic Approach – Psychic Reductionism
-Humanistic Approach – Holism

Question 2

What is the Behaviourist approach’s stance on holism vs reductionism?

Answer 2

Environmental Reductionism

Behaviour is reduced to simple stimulus-response associations learned through conditioning.

Ignores internal mental states and focuses on observable behaviour only.

Question 3

What is Social Learning Theory’s stance on holism vs reductionism?

Answer 3

Mostly Reductionist with Some Holism

Behaviour is learned through observation and imitation (reductionist).

Considers cognitive processes (e.g., attention, retention), which adds some holistic elements.

Question 4

What is the Cognitive approach’s stance on holism vs reductionism?

Answer 4

Machine Reductionism

Explains behaviour through information processing models (inputs, storage, outputs).

Ignores emotional and social factors, reducing humans to “machines”.

Question 5

What is the Biological approach’s stance on holism vs reductionism?

Answer 5

Biological Reductionism

Behaviour is reduced to biological factors like genes, neurotransmitters, and hormones.

Overlooks psychological, social, or environmental factors.

Question 6

What is the Psychodynamic approach’s stance on holism vs reductionism?

Answer 6

Psychic Reductionism

Behaviour is reduced to unconscious drives and childhood conflicts.

Complex adult behaviour is seen as the result of unconscious forces from early development.

Question 7

What is the Humanistic approach’s stance on holism vs reductionism?

Answer 7

Holism

Views individuals as a whole, focusing on subjective experience, free will, and personal growth.

Resists any form of reductionism.