Holism & Reductionism - Evaluations Flashcards
Explain the concept of reductionism and provide an example of experimental reductionism.
Reductionism is the idea that we can understand human behavior by breaking it into simpler parts. Experimental reductionism focuses on simplifying complex behavior by isolating specific variables in controlled experiments. For example, in experimental psychology, researchers manipulate a few variables to study how they affect behavior. This approach helps establish cause-and-effect relationships by closely examining the factors influencing behavior in a controlled setting.
What is a counter-argument to the use of experimental reductionism in psychology?
A counter-argument to experimental reductionism is that while controlled laboratory studies have produced valuable findings, the results may not always generalize to real-world situations. For example, research on the reliability of eyewitnesses conducted in a laboratory setting (e.g., Loftus and Palmer) may not necessarily align with findings from studies examining real-life witnesses (e.g., Yuille and Cutshall).
How has biological reductionism contributed to the field of psychology?
Biological reductionism has contributed to the development of biological therapies, such as drugs. For instance, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have proven effective in treating symptoms of conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What is a limitation of biological reductionism?
A criticism is that biological reductionism may oversimplify human behavior, leading to errors in understanding. Treating conditions solely as neurochemical imbalances, as seen in ADHD, may address symptoms but not the underlying causes, raising concerns about the adequacy of a purely biological understanding.
What is a methodological critique of environmental reductionism, and how does it relate to the use of non-human animals in research?
A critique of environmental reductionism’s methods involves using non-human animals in behaviorist research. Critics say studying animals may not truly explain human behavior, as humans grow up in a social setting. Also, important factors like cognition, emotion, and intentionality may be missed. This critique suggests that relying heavily on non-human animals in the reductionist approach might not be enough.
How does holistic explanation attempt to provide a complete understanding of human behaviour?
Holistic explanations attempt to blend different levels of explanation to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behavior.
What is a criticism of using holistic explanations?
A critique is that holistic explanations do not establish causation because they do not examine behavior in terms of operationalized variables that can be manipulated and measured. As a result, holistic explanations are often viewed as less scientific compared to reductionist approaches.
