Holism vs Reductionism

Question 1

Define Holism?

Answer 1

The view that human behaviour is too complex to be broken down into smaller components.

Question 2

Define Reductionism?

Answer 2

The view that the best way to explain behaviour is by breaking down complex phenomena into simple components

Question 3

1 strength of holism?

1 weakness of holism?

Answer 3

1) takes into account complex interactions.

2) less scientific (difficult to make investigate the interactions of different components of a whole)

Question 4

1 strength of reductionism?

1 weakness of reductionism?

Answer 4

1) very scientific

2) can oversimplify complex behaviour.

Question 5

1 core study that is reductionist?

How?

Answer 5

1) Casey.

2) reducing behaviour to different parts of the brain, ignoring social factors.

Question 6

1 core study that is holistic?

How?

Answer 6

1) Milgram

2) He proposed there were 13 different factors that contributed to high levels of obedience that he observed.