Holism v reductionism

Question 1

Reductionism

Answer 1

Explaining behaviour in terms of basic units

Takes an objective approach

Focuses on smaller, simpler aspects of behaviour which are easier to test

Refers to taking single/basic variables into account when explaining behaviour

Question 2

Humanistic psychology holism

Answer 2

Humanistic approach

All human behaviour is affected by our subjective experience and can only be understood on an individual level, therefore holism focuses on the whole system or person

As such the humanistic approach states that all humans are qualitatively different

All humans are unique and motivated to achieve their full potential (congruence).

If congruence is not achieved in any of the three selves, and a lack of identity or sense of wholeness occurs, this is thought to lead to mental disorder

Question 3

Explanations of reductionism

Answer 3

Levels of explanation

Biological reductionism

Environmental reductionism

Experimental reductionism

Question 4

Levels of explanation assumptions of approach

Answer 4

Rose (1976)

Put forward a range of explanations used in psychology, from the most reductionist to most holistic

Molecular level (physics), cellular level (biochemistry), parts of individuals (biology), behaviour of individuals (psychology), behaviour of groups (sociology)

Explanations for behaviour vary from those at a lower or fundamental level focusing on basic components to those at a higher more holistic multivariable level

Question 5

Levels of explanation reductionism

Answer 5

Therefore, according to levels of explanation, we can consider behaviour in terms of all levels

For example, memory can be explained at a sociological level, in terms of how cultural expectations affect what we remember, and at a biological level such as the neurotransmitters involved in forming memories

Question 6

Biological reductionism assumptions of approach

Answer 6

Biological approach

Human behaviour is affected by internal bodily activity and only these shape our behaviour, including: brain organisation, neurochemistry and genetic factors

As such, the biological approach assumes all behaviour has evolved and is now genetically predisposed (Darwin)

Question 7

Biological reductionism

Answer 7

Therefore, according to the biological approach as humans are made up of atoms, then their behaviour must be explainable at this basic level

For example, it has been suggested that schizophrenia is caused by excessive activity of dopamine as drugs which block dopamine reduce the symptoms of the disorder

Question 8

Environmental reductionism

Assumptions of the approach

Answer 8

Behaviourist approach

Humans are born a blank slate (tabula rasa) meaning we have no predisposed abilities or talents

Instead, all human behaviour is learn through external environmental experiences (e.g. schooling, upbringing, family, peers) via: classical conditioning (Pavlov), operant conditioning (Skinner) and social learning theory (Bandura).

Question 9

Environmental reductionism

Answer 9

Therefore, according to the behavioural approach, as humans learn from the environment (e.g. through stimulus and response links) their behaviour must be explained at this basic level

For example, Little Albert learnt to associate the white rat with fear through repeated presentations (classical conditioning)

Question 10

Experimental reductionism

Assumptions of the approach

Answer 10

All of experimental psychology

Experimental psychology is based on the principle of cause and effect

This tastes that predictions can be objectively tested by manipulating the IV to observe its effects upon the DV

Question 11

Experimental reductionism

Answer 11

Therefore, according to experimental psychology, all behaviour has a cause and effect and therefore reducing behaviour to variables means it can be explained at this basic level

For example, Logie found that participants recalled more words correctly when they were distracted with the opposite method from which they learnt words. This is because the two tasks made use of different systems in our working memory..

Question 12

Why is a holistic approach better to take when explaining human behaviour

Answer 12

Acknowledges the complex interactions of many different factors and how they affect human behaviour

Allows us to understand behaviour in context (e.g. we don’t ignore information that doesn’t fit)

Encourages psychology to understand the reasons behind all behaviour because we do lose sight of the meaning behind it

Allows us to understand behaviour on a more appropriate level (holistic level) rather than a basic level (reductionist) as humans are complex beings

Question 13

Why is a reductionist approach better to taken when explaining human behaviour

Answer 13

Focusing on smaller simpler aspects of behaviour and then studying them, underpins the scientific approach (e.g. all behaviour has a cause) and adds weight to scientific research

Focusing on basic components is more objective which leads to greater clarity of understanding (e.g. they can be tested easily and therefore, appropriate conclusions can be made that impact wider psychology)

Studying basic units means we are in a better position to isolate causes (e.g. we can see which chemicals are involved in certain mental health disorders, which then results in appropriate treatments being developed/used)

Sometimes the simplest explanation is often the best