Issues And Debates Holism And Reductionsim Ao3

Question 1

Practical value

Answer 1

One problem with taking a holistic approach is that it may lack practical value, as holistic explanations for behaviour tend to be very complex.
For example, humanistic psychologists would suggest that there are many factors that contribute to the development of depression, such as their past, their present situation, job, and their family circumstances.

Question 2

Practical value counter

Answer 2

This however is not the case for reductionist explanations.
For example, the focus on genes and neurotransmitters, means that biological reductionism has led to the development of drug therapies for various psychological conditions.
E.g. Soomro et al., has shown that SSRIs are effective in the treatment of OCD.

Question 3

Scientific approach

Answer 3

Reductionist approaches, often form the basis of scientific approaches.
To conduct well-controlled scientific research, we need to operationalise the variables being studied, which means breaking them down into their component parts.
This allows us to conduct experiments, or record observations in an objective and reliable way.

Question 4

Scientific approach counter

Answer 4

Reductionist approaches have been accused of oversimplifying complex behaviour.
For example, explanations that exist at the biological level do not include any analysis of the context within which the behaviour occurs.
E.g. Without taking the context into account when treating mental illness with drugs, it is possible that only the symptoms are being treated rather than the true cause.