Issues and debates - holism vs reductionism

Question 1

What is reductionism

Answer 1

Reducing explanations to their most simple form, usually identifying one distinct cause. Uses parsimony

Question 2

What is parsimony

Answer 2

The idea that science favours the simplest explanation for events

Question 3

What is holism

Answer 3

Assessing every factor of a behaviour and their interaction, rather than one specific part

Question 4

What is used to determine reductionism

Answer 4

Levels of explanation

Question 5

What are the levels of explanation

Answer 5

1. Higher level of reductionism - cultural and social explanations of how social groups affect behaviour
2. Middle level of reductionism - Psychological explanations for behaviour
3. Lowest level of reductionism - Biological explanations for behaviour

Question 6

What are the 2 main forms of reductionism

Answer 6

Biological - explaining human behaviour using certain biological systems
Environmental - all behaviour is a result of stimulus - response to environmental influences