Holism vs reductionism- ISSUES AND DEBATES

Question 1

AO1- reductionism

Answer 1

• break down complex phenomena into its constituent parts and analyse it
• very scientific in that the smaller parts make it more testable

Question 2

Examples of reductionism

Answer 2

BIOLOGICAL= break down behaviour into evolutionary, genetic, hormonal, neurochemical explanations.

ENVIRONMENTAL= complex learning experiences are broken down into simple stimulus-response actions which can be studied in the lab. Not concerned with mental processes, believe they have no influence upon behaviour.

INTROSPECTION= Wundt tried to break down conscious experience into feelings and sensations

Question 3

AO3- strengths of reductionism

Answer 3

• very scientific and analytical
• easily tested
• by explaining behaviour by its underlying physiological movements but gives psychology the scientific support and credibility of the well-established sciences
• unites with them to provide a more consistent and global picture of the universe

Question 4

AO3- limitations of reductionism

Answer 4

• its an oversimplification as reductionism often misses complex interactions , the whole may be greater than the sum of its parts
• behaviour is understood by the situation in which it’s in, not just by the underlying physiological movements. Eg a wave, important to understand why and who to they’re waving. ONLY EVER PROVIDES A PARTIAL EXPLANATION.

Question 5

AO1- holism

Answer 5

• looks at higher level explanations
• can only understand behaviour truly by analysing a person as a whole
• the whole is greater than the sum of its parts

Question 6

Examples of holism

Answer 6

• humanistic psychology= looks at the conscious experiences of individuals and the effects of interactions with other people
• social psychology= looks at group behaviour as it may show characteristics that are greater than the sum of the individuals which comprise it.

Question 7

Levels of explanation: OCD example

Answer 7

• there are many levels of explanation for different phenomena in psychology

OCD can be explained by…

Physical level= repetitive actions
Psychological level= experiencing obsessive thoughts
Neuro - chemical level= under production of serotonin
Socio-cultural level= society would regard their actions as irrational and unusual

Question 8

AO3- strengths of holism

Answer 8

• doesn’t ignore the complexity of the higher levels. eg effect of conformity on social roles, the deindividuaisation of guards and prisoners, group behaviour and interactions important.
• holistic explanations provide a more complete and global understanding of human behaviour than reductionist approaches

Question 9

AO3- limitations of holism

Answer 9

• the higher the levels of explanation go, the more speculative and divorced from physical reality they get—> lack the predictive validity of reductionism
• they don’t lend themselves to rigorous scientific testing, can be vague and speculative as they become more complex
• often ignore the influence of biology on behaviour

Question 10

What’s an alternative to reductionism that’s not holism?

Answer 10

INTERACTIONISM

-eg diathesis stress model

• interactionism concerned with how different levels may interact
• this model has led to a more multi-disciplinary and ‘holistic’ approach to treatment eg combination of drugs and family therapy.