Issue And Debates - Holism V Reductionism Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is Reductionism?
Reductionism is the idea that complex behaviour can be studied by breaking it down into simpler parts and testing these parts empirically.
What is Parsimony?
Parsimony is the principle that the simplest explanation that fits the evidence is the best.
What is Biological Reductionism?
Biological reductionism explains behaviour using basic biological elements, like genes or neurotransmitters.
E.g., Depression is explained by inherited genes affecting neurochemistry (leading to imbalance).
What is Environmental (Stimulus-Response) Reductionism?
Environmental reductionism explains behaviour as learned through stimulus-response associations.
E.g., Criminal behaviour could be reinforced in childhood (rewarded more than punished).
What is Machine Reductionism?
Machine reductionism compares the brain to a computer (CPU = brain, software = thoughts).
E.g., The working memory model is a computational model.
What is Holism?
Holism argues that to understand behaviour, we must look at the whole person — including biological, emotional, social, and environmental factors and how they interact.
What do Humanistic Psychologists say about Holism?
Maslow and Rogers argue individuals are more than the sum of their parts — their experiences and feelings are connected.
They use idiographic methods (case studies/interviews) to explore individuals deeply.
What are Levels of Explanation?
Psychological explanations exist at different levels:
• Biological (low level): genes, brain structure
• Psychological (mid level): thoughts, emotions
• Socio-cultural (high level): cultural norms and roles.
How can aggression be explained at different levels of explanation?
Aggression can be explained at different levels:
• Social psychology: Aggression comes from culture and social environment.
• Cognitive psychology: Aggressive schemas and interpretation of situations.
• Behaviourism: Aggression is reinforced by past rewards.
• Biological psychology: Genetics, neurochemistry, brain structure, evolution.
Holism Evaluation: Strengths
Strengths of holism include:
• Considers multiple influences (e.g., mental health needs biological, emotional, social understanding).
• Allows for person-centred therapy (like Rogers’ client-centred therapy).
• More valid – reflects the complex real-world causes of behaviour.
Holism Evaluation: Weaknesses
Weaknesses of holism include:
− Hard to test scientifically – too many variables involved.
− Hard to establish cause and effect.
− Can be impractical for research or treatment – too broad and vague.
− Might ignore specific factors like neurotransmitters or particular learning experiences.
When should a researcher consider holism or reductionism?
A researcher must balance objective, scientific, empirical methods (reductionist) with meaningful, whole-person understanding (holistic). This trade-off helps researchers make well-rounded conclusions.
