Holism VS reductionism

Question 1

define reductionism

Answer 1

belief that human behaviour is best explained by breaking it down into smaller parts

Question 2

what are the 2 types of reductionism?

Answer 2

biological
environmental

Question 3

define biological reductionism

Answer 3

suggests all behaviour can be explained through neurochemical, physiological, evolutionary.

Question 4

define environmental reductionism

Answer 4

proposes that all behaviour is acquired through intercations with the environmrnt

Question 5

evaluation of holism - lack of causation

Answer 5

doesn’t establish cause & effect - don’t examine behaviour in operationalised behaviours that can be measured and manipulated. holistic explanations unscientific.

Question 6

evaluation of holism - a whole picture of human behaviour

Answer 6

holistic explanation attempts to blend different levels of explanation -holistic theory & provide complete/realistic understanding of human behaviour

Question 7

evaluation of holism- very difficult to test

Answer 7

don’t lend themselves to scientific testing. become more vague and overly complex. approach criticised for bring a loose set of concepts

Question 8

levels of explanation from highest to lowest

Answer 8

socio-cultrual level
psychological level
physical level
environmental/behavioural level
physiological level
neurochemical level