Holism and Reductionism Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is Reductionism ?
Scientific
The argument that the best explanation is the simplest one.
Studying complex phenomena by breaking them down into their simplest forms and testing individual elements empirically. (Evidence/Experience)
What is biological reductionism?
Complex human behaviour is due to basic biological elements. (Inheritance - Neurotransmitters)
What is an example of biological reductionism?
Depression
Is caused by inherited genes affecting neurochemistry leading to a neurological imbalance.
What is environmental reductionism?
Behaviourism and social learning theory.
Pavlov/Skinner explain explain behaviour being due to stimulus response mechanisms.
(Classic conditioning/operant conditioning).
Associating the neutral stimulus with another thing (positive/negative).
What is an example of environmental reductionism?
An adult criminal may have witness criminal actions being rewarded in childhood reinforcing criminal behaviour.
What is machine reductionism?
Cognitive psychology
Comparing human brain to machines.
(The computer analogy)
What is an example of machine reductionism?
The working memory model
It simplifies complex cognitive functions by breaking them down into distinct, interconnected components that are analogous to the functions of a computer
What is Holism?
A valid explanation of behaviour must include the individuals,
Experiences (Nurture)
Biological influences (Nature)
Effects of reinforcement
Internal mental processes (Emotions)
Social context
How these factors interact/influence each other.
Which approach follows a holistic approach?
Humanistic
Argue we have to study the entire person to understand their behaviour.
Reject scientific approaches.
What are Idiographic methods?
Case studies
Interviews
They produce rich detailed information (Qualitative)
