Issues & Debates - Holism and Reductionism Flashcards

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1
Q

Define parsimony

A

The argument that the best explanation is the simplest one that fits the evidence

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2
Q

Define reductionism

A

Studying complex phenomena by breaking them down into their simplest components and testing the individual elements empirically.

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3
Q

Define Biological Reductionism
(Bio psych)

A

argues complex human behaviour is due to basic biological elements, such as inheritance or absence of specific neurotransmitter-related genes

E.G- suggests depression is caused by inherited genes affecting neurochem, leading to neurological imbalance

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4
Q

Define Environmental (stimulus-response) Reductionism

(Behaviourism)

A

PAVLOV AND SKINNER explain behaviour as due to the result of simple stimulus-response mechanisms.

E.G- they might argue that criminal behaviour in adults is a result of learning in childhood, where criminal acts were rewarded rather than punished, reinforcing criminal behaviour

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5
Q

Define Machine Reductionism
(Cognitive Psych)

A

Includes computer analogy that the brain functions like a computer’s CPU
and thought processes as software running on brain

E.G- Working Model Memory overly simplistic computational model

This mechanistic pov simplifies complex mental processes by ignoring role of emotions and irrationality

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6
Q

Define Holism

A

POV
-that a valid explanation of behaviour must include all an individual’s experiences and factors influencing their behaviour
-such as biological processes, the effect of reinforcement internal processes (including emotions), and the broader social context.

A complete explanation must also include how these various components interact and influence each other

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7
Q

Define Humanistic Psychologists

A

-take most holistic approach to psych
-argue that individuals are more than the sum of their parts and their experiences, perspceptions, and feelings are interconnected

-suggest that we can understand behaviour only by studying the whole person

-ANY attempt to reduce human experience down to separate elements would lead to a loss of the essence of what it means to be human

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8
Q

Examples of Humanistic Psychologists

A

Maslow and Rogers

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9
Q

What do Humanistic psychologists like Maslow and Rogers use?

A

Ideographic methods to investigate behaviour

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10
Q

Ideographic methods are:

A

Case studies
Interviews

-produce richer and more detailed info

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11
Q

Define Levels of explanation

A

‘explanations vary from those at a lower of fundamental level focusing on basic components or units to those at a higher, more holistic multi-variable level’

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12
Q

Explain aggression using the most holistic level of explanation

A

Social Psychology
-Aggression is due to cultural factors
-Individuals grow up in environments where aggression is valued
-Aggressive behaviour is seen as a way to earn respect and establish dominance

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13
Q

Explain aggression using the 2nd most holistic level of explanation

A

Cognitive Psychology
-Aggressive individuals have developed cognitive schemas that bias their info of situations towards aggression
-leading to aggressive responses when faced w/ ambiguous or challenging situations

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14
Q

Explain aggression using the 2nd most reductionist level of explanation

A

Behaviourism
-aggression is a consequence of reinforcement
-individuals who have been rewarded for aggressive behavior in past (EITHER BY ACHIEVING DESIRED OUTCOME OR RECEIVING POSITIVE ATTENTION) are more likely to repeat aggressive actions

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15
Q

Explain aggression using the most reductionist level of explanation

A

Biological Psychology
-Aggression results from the interaction of brain structures, neurochemicals, and genetics
-this approach considers aggression as part of an evolutionary strategy, that being capable or violent enhances survival and reproductive success

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