Issues and Debates - Holism and Reduction Flashcards
What is holism?
Holism is an argument or theory that proposes that it only makes sense to study an indivisible system rather than its constituent parts (which is the reductionist approach).
What is reductionism?
Reductionism is the belief that human behavior is best explained by breaking it down into smaller constituent parts.
What is biological reductionism?
Biological reductionism is a form of reductionism that attempts to explain social and psychological phenomena at a lower biological level (in terms of the actions of genes, hormones, etc.).
What is environmental (stimulus-response) reductionism?
Environmental reductionism attempts to explain all behavior in terms of stimulus-response links that have been learned through experience.
What are levels of explanation in psychology?
Levels of explanation in psychology refer to viewing behaviors in different ways, from a basic level of biological explanation (e.g., neurochemical and genetic influences) to a more holistic psychological or sociocultural level.
What is one evaluation point for holism?
Point: Holistic explanations provide a more complete understanding of behavior.
Evidence: For example, the effects of conformity in social roles, as demonstrated by Zimbardo’s prison study, could not be understood by studying individuals alone. Instead, group behaviors and the influence of social context needed to be considered.
Explanation: This highlights that certain aspects of behavior only emerge in group contexts and cannot be reduced to individual-level analysis.
Link: Holism offers insights into social and complex psychological phenomena that reductionism alone cannot explain.
What is one evaluation point against holism?
Point: Holistic explanations can lack scientific rigor.
Evidence: Humanistic psychology often lacks empirical evidence and can be considered more of a set of abstract theories rather than scientifically validated concepts.
Explanation: For example, combining different perspectives may present a broad view but may lack focus, making it harder to establish cause-and-effect relationships for behavior or design targeted interventions.
Link: This suggests that reductionist approaches, while narrower, may sometimes be more appropriate for scientific study.
What is one evaluation point for reductionism?
Point: Reductionist approaches form the basis of scientific research.
Evidence: Breaking behavior into constituent parts allows for experimental testing. For instance, in biological reductionism, the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin in depression can be measured and manipulated in experiments.
Explanation: This makes it easier to conduct research and develop treatments, such as drug therapies, to target specific biochemical processes.
Link: This supports the utility of reductionism in advancing scientific and practical understanding of behavior.
What is one evaluation point against reductionism?
Point: Reductionism oversimplifies complex behaviors.
Evidence: For example, focusing solely on biological processes, such as serotonin levels, may ignore social or environmental factors that contribute to depression.
Explanation: By isolating single components, reductionist approaches can fail to consider how different factors interact, leading to incomplete explanations.
Link: This underscores the need for more integrative approaches, such as the interactionist perspective, which combines reductionist insights with holistic considerations.
