Holism V Reductionism

Question 1

What is meant by holism?

Answer 1

Argues that it only makes sense to study an indivisible (united) system rather than its constituent parts.

Question 2

What is meant by reductionism?

Answer 2

The belief that all human behaviour is best explained by breaking it down into smaller constituent parts.

Question 3

What is meant by biological reductionism?

Answer 3

Explains social and psychological phenomena at a lower biological level.

Question 4

What is meant by environmental reductionism?

Answer 4

Explains all behaviour in terms of stimulus-response links that have been learned through experience.

Question 5

Which approaches are holistic?

Answer 5

SLT, humanism and psychodynamic (both)

Question 6

Which approaches are reductionist?

Answer 6

Biological, behaviourism and cognitive

Question 7

What are the different levels of explanation?

Answer 7

Socio-cultural
Psychological
Physical
Physiological
Neurochemical

Question 8

What are 2 strengths of the holism v reductionism debate?

Answer 8

1. Reductionist approach has good practical value.
   Focus on genes and neurotransmitters means that biological reductionism has led to the development of drug treatments.
   E.g research has found that SSRIs are an effective treatment for OCD.
2. Reductionist approaches are scientific.
   To conduct scientific research, variables must be operationalised by breaking them down into their component parts - this is what the reductionist approach does.
   Allows us to conduct experiments in an objective way.

Question 9

What is one limitation of the holism v reductionism debate?

Answer 9

1. Holistic approach may lack practical value.
   Explanations are very complex and it’s often unclear which factor is the most important.
   Shows that in treatment, it is difficult to prioritise one thing.