11. ISSUES & DEBATES (HOLISM & REDUCTIONISM DEBATE) Flashcards
What is the central question in the Holism and Reductionism debate in psychology?
The debate centres around whether it is more valid to explain behaviour at lower levels (reductionism) or higher levels (holism). The discussion considers whether one level of explanation is sufficient or if multiple levels should be examined.
What is reductionism in psychology?
Reductionism is the belief that human behaviour can be explained by breaking it down into simpler component parts. For example, depression may be explained solely by genetic factors, ignoring other levels like environment or cognition.
What are the two types of reductionism in psychology?
- Biological reductionism: Behavior is reduced to biological factors such as genes, neurotransmitters, and brain structures.
- Environmental reductionism: Behavior is explained through simple stimulus-response associations, often used by behaviorists.
What is holism in psychology?
Holism is the idea that human behaviour should be viewed as an integrated whole rather than separate parts. It focuses on higher levels of explanation, such as social or cultural factors, and uses qualitative methods to understand complex behaviours.
How does the interactionist stance view the Holism vs. Reductionism debate?
The interactionist approach suggests that multiple levels of explanation are necessary to fully understand behaviour. It argues that no single explanation (biological, psychological, or social) is sufficient, and combining these perspectives provides the most accurate understanding.
Give an example of how reductionism is applied in psychology.
In biological reductionism, the cause of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is explained by imbalances in dopamine and serotonin levels, focusing solely on the biological factors.
Give an example of how environmental reductionism is applied in psychology.
The behaviourist approach explains phobias as the result of classical conditioning (a neutral stimulus becomes associated with fear) and operant conditioning (the phobia is maintained through avoidance behaviours).
How does humanistic psychology relate to holism?
Humanistic psychology views individuals as reacting to stimuli as an integrated whole rather than a set of stimulus-response links. It uses qualitative methods to explore the full range of human experiences, including social and cultural influences.
How is addiction explained from a biological reductionist and holistic perspective?
- Biological reductionism: Addiction is explained as the result of genetic predispositions, such as the presence of the A1 variant of the D2 dopamine receptor gene.
- Holism: Addiction is viewed as influenced by a combination of environmental factors, like family influences and peer pressure, which can impact behavior.
What is the biological reductionist explanation of schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is explained by biological reductionism as being due to genetic factors and neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., excess dopamine), without considering the role of environmental or psychological factors.
What is a strength of a reductionist approach in psychology?
A reductionist approach provides a precise and scientific explanation, breaking down complex behaviours into simpler, measurable components, which allows for controlled experiments and reliable data.
What is a limitation of a reductionist approach in psychology?
A reductionist approach may overlook the complexity of behaviour by focusing on just one level of explanation (e.g., biological) and missing out on the influence of other factors, such as social or cultural influences.
How can a reductionist view lead to practical benefits in treatment?
A reductionist view can lead to the development of precise treatments, such as drug therapies for mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia), offering effective solutions and reducing the need for institutionalization.
What is a limitation of a holistic approach?
Holistic explanations can become vague and speculative, as they often involve many different factors and can lack empirical evidence. For example, humanistic psychology is criticized for its lack of rigorous, scientific data.
Give an example of interactionist thinking in explaining a psychological disorder.
The diathesis-stress model explains mental disorders (like OCD) as the result of a genetic predisposition (diathesis) triggered by environmental stressors, such as trauma or stressful life events.
What is an example of a holistic approach to treating depression?
An interactionist approach to treating depression combines cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with antidepressants. Research by March et al. (2007) found that the combination led to an 86% improvement rate, higher than either treatment alone.
