Holism and Reductionism Flashcards
What is holism in psychology?
Holism views behavior as a whole and argues that complex phenomena cannot be understood by breaking them into smaller components. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of factors.
What is reductionism in psychology?
Reductionism explains behavior by reducing it to its simplest components, such as biological or environmental factors, often to establish causal relationships.
What are levels of explanation in psychology?
Levels of explanation describe how behavior can be analyzed from different perspectives, ranging from socio-cultural (holistic) to biological (reductionist).
What is biological reductionism?
Biological reductionism explains behavior in terms of biological processes, such as genetics, neurotransmitters, or brain structures. For example, depression is linked to low serotonin levels.
: What is environmental reductionism?
Environmental reductionism explains behavior in terms of stimulus-response associations. For example, phobias are explained through classical conditioning.
How does holism relate to humanistic psychology?
Holism aligns with humanistic psychology, which emphasizes the whole person, including subjective experiences, rather than focusing on isolated components of behavior.
What is an example of holistic research?
Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment is holistic as it examines how social roles and group dynamics influence behavior, considering multiple interacting factors.
What is the scientific emphasis of reductionism?
Reductionism supports scientific research by breaking behavior into measurable and testable components, making it easier to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
How does reductionism benefit practical applications?
Reductionist approaches often lead to effective treatments, such as using antidepressants to target specific biological causes of mental illness.
What are the limitations of reductionism?
Reductionism may oversimplify behavior, ignoring broader social and environmental factors that contribute to complex phenomena like mental disorders
What is the strength of holism in understanding behavior?
Holism provides a more complete understanding by considering the interaction of factors. For example, family therapy addresses the dynamics of relationships rather than isolated individual issues.
Why might holism lack scientific rigor?
Holistic approaches can be difficult to test empirically due to the complexity of interactions, making findings less precise and harder to apply universally
How does reductionism align with the scientific method?
Reductionism aligns with the scientific method by allowing researchers to isolate and test specific variables, ensuring greater control and replicability in experiments.
Why is reductionism criticized for being too simplistic?
Reductionism often overlooks the influence of broader contexts, such as socio-cultural factors, which are crucial for understanding behaviors like aggression or mental health
How can a combined approach be more effective?
Combining holistic and reductionist approaches, such as using CBT alongside medication, provides a more comprehensive treatment by addressing both biological and psychological factors.
