Holism & Reductionism AO1 & AO3

Question 1

Define Holism

Answer 1

Theory that it only makes sense to study an inseparable system rather than its constituent parts.
Breaking up behaviour and experience is inappropriate - unable to understand the person as a whole.

Question 2

Define Reductionalism

Answer 2

Human behaviour is best explained by breaking it down into smaller, constituent parts

Its simple, easy and the most economic level of explanation

Question 3

What is Biological Reductionism?

Answer 3

Social and psychological phenomena at a lower level - all behaviour is at some level biological

Question 4

What is Environmental Reductionism?

Answer 4

All behaviour in terms of stimulus/response links have been learnt through experience.
Analysis at a physical level

Question 5

What is the hierarchy of Science?

Answer 5

1 - Sociology 
2 - Psychology 
3 - Biology
4 - Chemistry 
5 - Physics 

6 - Maths

Question 6

What are the levels of explanation?

Answer 6

1) Socio-Cultural Context
2) Psychological Level
3) Physical Level
4) Physiological Level

*Different ways of viewing the same phenomena