holism + reductionism Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the holism-reductionism debate in psychology?
It is the question of whether holism or reductionism is the better approach to understanding human behaviour.
Define holism.
An argument which proposes that it only makes sense to study an indivisible system rather than its constituent parts.
Define reductionism.
The belief that human behaviour is best understood by studying the smaller constituent parts.
What are levels of explanation?
The idea that there are several ways (levels) that can be used to explain behaviour, from biological to social/cultural.
What is biological reductionism?
A form of reductionism that attempts to explain behaviour at the lowest biological level (genes, hormones, etc.).
What is environmental (stimulus-response) reductionism?
The attempt to explain all behaviour in terms of stimulus-response links learned through experience.
What is a key limitation of the holistic approach?
It may lack practical value because it becomes hard to know which factor is most influential in complex behaviours.
Why might holistic approaches be less practical?
Because they consider many interacting factors, making it hard to determine which to prioritise.
What is a strength of reductionist approaches?
They often form the basis of a scientific approach by breaking down behaviour into constituent parts.
What does operationalising variables mean?
Breaking target behaviours down into constituent parts for study.
Why do reductionist approaches have scientific credibility?
Because they allow for controlled experiments and objective, reliable observation.
What is a criticism of reductionist approaches?
They can lead to oversimplification and reduced validity by ignoring context and complexity.
What is meant by ‘higher level’ explanations?
Explanations that consider social and cultural factors, often necessary for understanding group behaviours.
What is the holistic approach to understanding behaviour?
Looking at a system as a whole and seeing attempts to subdivide behaviour as inappropriate.
Who argued that ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’?
Gestalt psychologists.
: What is the humanistic psychology focus in holism?
On the individual’s experience, which is not reducible to component parts.
What methods do holistic approaches often use?
Qualitative methods to investigate the self.
What is the reductionist approach to explaining behaviour?
Analysing behaviour by breaking it down into its constituent parts.
What are the levels of explanation in psychology for OCD?
Socio-cultural, psychological, physical, and neurochemical levels.
Give an example of a socio-cultural explanation for OCD.
OCD interrupts social relationships.
Give an example of a psychological explanation for OCD.
Learning experiences (behavioural level).
Give an example of a physical explanation for OCD.
Washing one’s hands (physical movements).
Give an example of a neurochemical explanation for OCD.
Underproduction of serotonin.
What is evolutionary reductionism?
Explaining behaviour in terms of evolutionary processes and genetic influences.
