memory - issues & debates

Question 1

define reductionism

Answer 1

theory of explaining something according to its basic constituent parts.

Question 2

define reductionist

Answer 2

practice of reductionism

Question 3

atkinson & shiffrin 1968 - reductionist

Answer 3

• describes memory as series of component memory stores w/ specific functions such as research.
• experiments tend to isolate variables to investigate, w/o considering other factors that could explain the behavior.

Question 4

Barlett (1932) - war of the ghosts - holistic

Answer 4

• used qualitative analysis to explore reconstructive nature of memory by understanding how each individuals schemas influenced their recall of stories & pictures.
• spent considerable time establishing backgrounds/personality of participants to understand how their schemas were formed.

Question 5

define holism

Answer 5

the theory of explaining something as a whole.

Question 6

define holistic

Answer 6

practice of holism

Question 7

strength & weaknesses of reductionism

Answer 7

Strength of reductionism
➜ Associated with scientific methods such as lab experiments, factors that explain a behavior can be isolated & tested under controlled conditions → Reliable

Weakness of reductionism
➜ May not provide a complete understanding of memory as it ignores many factors that might affect it → overly simplistic explanation → low internal validity
➜ In explaining aggression according to a single gene, we may miss other social factors that could contribute to aggression, such as upbringing or miss the interaction between the aggression gene & other factors.

Question 8

strengths & weaknesses of holism

Answer 8

Strength of holism
➜ Focuses on many factors that have influenced participants.
Qualitative methods used to gain greater insight into causes of behavior & beliefs.

Weakness of holism
➜ Difficult to achieve - to understand the whole person, many variables need to be investigated at the same time. Researcher bias due to emotional attachment. Lowers validity.
➜ Lack of generalisability - findings can only apply to a particular individual - resulting theories can’t apply to everyone else.