Holism And Reductionism

Question 1

Holism

Gestalt psychologist

Answer 1

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

Question 2

Reductionist

Levels of explanation

Answer 2

HIGHEST LEVEL - social and cultural

MIDDEL LEVEL- psychological explanations (cognitive, behavioural/ environmental )

BOTTOM LEVEL - biological explanations (genetic)

Question 3

Reductionist

Types of reductionism

Answer 3

Biological reductionism - genes / hormones - ocd causes by excess Levels of dopamine
Environmental reductionism - stimulus and response (phobias)

Question 4

The multidisciplinary approach

Answer 4

The interactionist approach has lead to multidisciplinary approach to treatment - combining drugs with family therapy -

• tarrier et al found patients with combo of drug therapy and cbt had more improved symptoms than those in a control group (just drug)