ao3 reductionism

Question 1

consistent with the scientific approach

Answer 1

• reductionism is consistent with the aims of science
• behaviour is easily measured and manipulated under strict lab conditions = cause and effect between variables can easily be established

Question 2

practical application in the development of drug therapy

Answer 2

• a reductionist approach towards researching/explaining mental disorders = development of powerful and effective drug therapies
• SSRIs treat depression based on the view that a deficiency in serotonin causes depression
• reduces the need for institutionalisation = sufferers can continue their day-to-day lives normally

Question 3

ignores the complexity of behaviour

Answer 3

• reductionist explanations can lead to loss of validity = ignore social context where behaviour occurs = gives behaviour its meaning
• reductionist explanations may simplify complex phenomena too much