Issues And Debates - Holism And Reductionism

Question 1

What is holism?

Answer 1

Holism suggests that studying an entire system as a whole gives a deeper understanding than studying its parts. It focuses on understanding behaviour by considering the whole person rather than breaking it down into smaller parts.

Question 2

What is the definition of reductionism?

Answer 2

Reductionism says that behaviour is best explained by breaking it down into simpler parts. It aims for the simplest explanation possible.

Question 3

Give an example of reductionism

Answer 3

Biological psychologists aim to explain behaviour by only looking at genes and biology, whilst ignoring other factors such as early childhood experiences and cognitive processes.

Question 4

Give an example of holism

Answer 4

Humanistic psychologists look at how thoughts, feelings, and motivations work together to understand behaviour, rather than isolating specific aspects.

Question 5

What is biological reductionism?

Answer 5

Explains behaviour based on genes, hormones and evolutionary factors.

Question 6

What is environmental reductionism/

Answer 6

Explains behaviour through learned associations between stimuli and responses.