Holism vs Reductionism Flashcards
What is reductionism?
- The idea of trying to explain complex behaviours using the component parts that make them up
- Breaks down complex phenomena into more simple components, implying this is desirable because complex behaviours are best understood at a simpler level of explanation
- Works on the ideas of parsimony
What does parsimony argue?
- Science favours the simplest explanation for events
- A parsimonious science follows the principle of ‘Occam’s Razor’
- Where there is more than 1 explanation for an event, the simplest one is preferable
What is holism?
- The idea that, when looking at a behaviour, we should judge it as a whole rather than 1 specific part
- Appreciates the complex interaction of many parts and factors of behaviour
- Doesn’t deny influences but feels that human behaviour is far more complex and multiple interacting factors need to be considered
What are the levels of explanation in psychology?
- Highest level (cultural and social)= memory is influenced by cultural expectations
- Middle level (psychological)= psychological factors influence memory, e.g. elaborative rehearsal and different memory types
- Lower level (biological)= biological aspects influence memories, e.g. memories are stored in the hippocampus and damage can cause memory problems
What are the types of reductionism?
- Biological
- Environmental
What is biological reductionism?
- Based on the premise that we are biological organisms made up of physiological structures and processes
- Can be explained through neurochemical activity, neurophysiology, genetics and evolutionary influences
What is environmental reductionism?
- Suggests that only observable behaviour should be studied and that all behaviour can be broken up into simple stimulus response links that take place in a persons environment and that these are also measurable in a laboratory
- Because of this assumption, behaviourists don’t recognise psychological levels of explanation, such as the role of cognitions
If the point is:
Taking a biologically reductionist view can allow us to generate useful biological treatments.
What is the evidence, explanation and link?
Evidence- For example, research that takes the biological reductionist view is easier to pin point a cause of behaviour, therefore treatments can be developed from this. As OCD is believed to be caused by low serotonin levels, SSRI’s have been developed as a treatment.
Explanation- These practical applications show that reductionist approaches can have useful impacts upon society, especially with mental illnesses.
Link- This means that a biological reductionist view can be used to easily develop treatments.
If the point is:
By taking an environmentally reductionist view to research behaviour it’s easier to test as it simplifies behaviour to a stimulus response action.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- For example, the Little Albert study. Little Albert had no major fears. Through the process of classical conditioning, he was taught to have a phobia of a white rat and generalised this to other white fluffy objects. Over a total of 7-8 pairings, researchers presented Albert with a white rat and a loud banging noise (UCS). As a result, eventually just giving Little Albert the white rat by itself caused extreme anxiety. The rat (CS) had been associated with loud sounds (UCS).
Link- This means that research can be conducted easily and focus on 1 variable such as an associated to explain behaviour like phobias.
If the point is:
An issue with researching behaviour from a biologically and environmentally reductionist view is that the simplicity of the explanations is seen as a flaw and the explanations are inadequate in describing the complexities of human behaviour.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- For example, when looking at the genetic explanation of OCD, concordance rates are 67% for monozygotic twins, although this is higher than 1st degree relatives, it isn’t 100%.
Link- This implies that there must be environmental factors involved in the development of OCD, suggesting that biological or environmental reductionism on their own can’t explain the development of OCD.
If the point is:
An issue with researching behaviour from a reductionist view is that it may mean that other explanations are ignored and underplayed.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- In the case of mental illness, this could lead to a reoccurrence of the issues as all the factors haven’t been considered. For example, by treating phobias with medication relapse can seem inevitable when the medication stops.
Link- This implies that behaviour may not be able to be explained from a reductionist view, as it over simplifies explanations and may end up missing important factors.
What are the evaluation points for reductionism?
+ Biological reductionism can allow us to generate useful biological treatments
+ Environmental reductionism is easy to test as it simplifies behaviour to a stimulus response action
— For both biological and environmental reductionism, the simplicity of the explanations is seen as a flaw and the explanations are inadequate in describing the complexities of human behaviour
— A reductionist explanation may mean that other explanations are ignored and underplayed
If the point is:
Taking a holistic approach to researching behaviour leads to the holistic debate being praised for appreciating the complexity of human behaviour.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- Family explanations of schizophrenia can be seen as holistic, as you could argue that this is due to learning from a dysfunctional family and genetic influences.
Link- This suggests that a holistic approach can aid the treatments of schizophrenia by focusing on its cause.
If the point is:
An issue with researching behaviour from a holistic view is that it isn’t considered scientific.
What is the evidence and link
Evidence- The humanistic approach takes a holistic view for depression, such as the individuals job, past experiences, present relationships and their family set up. With so many factors, it’s hard to conduct research to see which is the most influential.
Link- This could suggest that holistic approaches are reduced in terms of how much they can explain about disorders, perhaps limiting their credibility.
What are the evaluation points for holistic approaches?
+ Can be praised for appreciating the complexity of human behaviour
— Not considered scientific
