Holism/reductionism Flashcards
What is holism?
An argument that proposes it only makes sense to study the whole person rather than its constituent parts.
What is reductionism?
The belief that human behaviour is best understood by studying the smaller constituent parts.
What are levels of explanation?
The idea there are several levels that can be used to explain behaviour.
What are the levels of explanation from highest to lowest?
Social & Cultural explanations.
(influence of social groups)
Psychological explanations
cognitive/behavioural/environmental)
Biological explanations
neurochemical, genetic etc
What is biological reductionism?
A form of reductionism which attempts to explain behaviour at the lowest biological level. E.G Genes/hormones.
What is environmental reductionism?
Attempt to explain all behaviour in terms of stimulus-response links that have been learned through experience.
