Holism vs reductionism

Question 1

what is meant by holism?

Answer 1

the whole is greater than the sum of the parts

Question 2

what are some examples of holism?

Answer 2

gestalt
humanistic approach
cognitive approach - network interaction

Question 3

what is meant by reductionism?

Answer 3

reducing down of any complex phenomena into its constituent parts

Question 4

what are the levels of reductionism?

Answer 4

highest - conformity and obedience
middle - psychological
lowest - biological

Question 5

what are the 3 types of reductionsim

Answer 5

biological
experimental (IV)
environmental - learned by experience

Question 6

Eval FOR reductionism

Answer 6

easily establish causation (exp red)
recognizes biological explanations

drug therapies

Question 7

Eval AGAINST reductionism

Answer 7

oversimplifies behaviour
different theories cannot combine (which real life behaviours DO combines)

Worple (1973) insect phobia actually marital problems
innappropriate drug use - may be other factors or just treats symptoms not cause (biological)

(environmental) animals not generalizable
conditioning ignores other factors (cog env)

Question 8

Eval FOR holism

Answer 8

combines factors
more complete understanding

Question 9

Eval AGAINST holism

Answer 9

unfalsifiable
no empirical evidence
no causation = no treatment