Reductionism and Holism

Question 1

what is reductionism?

Answer 1

simplistic, few interacting components, breaking people down into individual components

Question 2

what is holism?

Answer 2

made of many different complex interacting components, looks at characteristics of the whole

Question 3

strengths of reductionism

Answer 3

• easier to establish cause and effect, simple physical variable are easier to manipulate so easier to do experiments
• easier to find objective evidence, often relies on quantitative, measurable data

Question 4

weaknesses of reductionism

Answer 4

• not appropriate for humans
• lacks face validity, ignore complex not measuring what it intends to
• infinite regress, cant reduced complex to maths

Question 5

strengths of holism

Answer 5

• more face validity, humans are complex so measure what they intend to
• no infinite regress, appropriate level of explanation for humans not absurd
• appropriate for humans

Question 6

weaknesses of holism

Answer 6

• harder to find objective evidence, relies on qualitative data so harder to get factual results
• harder to eatablish cause and effect, complex variables are harder to manipulate so harder to do experiments