Issues and debates- reductionism vs holism

Question 1

Reductionism

Answer 1

Trying to explain complex behaviours using the complex parts that make them up. Breaks down complex phenomena into simple components

Question 2

Parsimony

Answer 2

Finding the simplest accurate explanation for cognitive processes and behaviors.
Science favours the simplest explanation. A parsimonious science follows the principles of occam razor- more then one explanation but simplest is preferable.

Question 3

Holism

Answer 3

When looking at behaviour we should judge the whole rather than one specific part.

Question 4

Levels of explanation

Answer 4

Suggests that there are different ways of viewing the same phenomena in psychology

Question 5

Higher levels of reductionism

Answer 5

Cultural and social explanations of how our social group effects our behaviour

Question 6

Middle level of reductionism

Answer 6

Psychological explanations of behaviour

Question 7

Lowest level of reductionism

Answer 7

Biological explanation e.g how genes effect our behaviour.

Question 8

Levels of explanation for memory

Answer 8

Highest- memory is influenced by cultural expectations i.e what we SHOULD remember
Middle- psychological factors influence memory i.e elaborative rehearsal
Lowest- biological aspects influence memory i.e memories are stored in the hippocampus and damage to this area cna cause issues with memory

Question 9

Evaluation- reductionist is most parsimonious (SERT gene)

Answer 9

Impaired SERT gene = lower levels of serotonin = a genetic predisposition to OCD
Reductionist can be seen as more scientific and allows the creation of nomothetic laws. It is much easier to see one variable affecting affecting another one, compared to varied and multi-faceted variables interacting with other variables.

Question 10

Evaluation- bio reductionism- practical apps (SSRIs to treat OCD)

Answer 10

SSRI’s increase levels of serotonin as too little can explain OCD (SSRIs 80% effective at treating OCD). Bio reductionism can have useful impacts upon society. Can produce treatments quicker then holistic approach

Question 11

Evaluation- environmental reduct is also easy to test (Little Albert)

Answer 11

E.g. Little A who after 7 pairings associated a white rat with a loud noise causing him to fear the rat. Shows it is easy to test the theories which is a benefit and also replicate. Easy to test for reliability

Question 12

Evaluation- Environmental and bio reductionism are too simple (concordance rates in twins OCD)

Answer 12

31% of DZ shared OCD but only 68% in MZ twins. Should be 100% in MZ twins, shows how genes are not entirely to blame. An interactionist approach would be better suited which argues both nature and nurture cause behaviour.

Question 13

Evaluation- reductionist lead to other explanations being underplayed or ignored(relapse after stopping meds)

Answer 13

In case of metal illness could lead to a reoccurrence as not all factors have been considered e.g after anti-anxiety meds a relapse seems inevitable when meds stop. Also when OCD patients stopped taking SSRIs their OCD returned.

Question 14

Evaluation- Holism and the appreciation of the complexity of human behaviour (humanistic approach- maslow)

Answer 14

P-Holism can be praised for appreciating the complexity of human behaviour
E.g humanistic approach takes a holistic approach in considering behaviour and how it is shaped by multiple forces. E.g maslow highlights how there are at least 5 diverse motivators in our behaviour from bio, safety, love, esteem and ultimately self actualisation. Holism provide more complete explanation of human behaviour.

Question 15

Evaluation- holistic practical aps(Person centred therapy, core conditions)

Answer 15

Person centered therapy- non-directive and collaborative process which offers core conditions of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. These core conditions and the therapeutic relationship that’s developed through therapy has proven effective for many

Question 16

Evaluation- holistic is not scientific(holism and cause and effect)

Answer 16

E.g psychology typically seeks cause and effect to explain behaviour and to do this you need to isolate key factors. Holistic ideas are not compatible with this goal of science as they often refuse to isolate variables and often over emphasise the complex interacting nature of multiple factors.

Question 17

Evaluation- holistic promoting a more realistic interactionist approach(phobias)

Answer 17

Argue that multiple explanations all have relevance and that, ultimately it is diff to establish which has best explanatory power and that this varies from situation to situation, and diverse behaviours. E,g some phobias are learnt but some are better explained thorugh adaptive mechanisms.