Reductionism/Holism debate

Question 1

What is reductionism?

Answer 1

Reductionism is the belief that complex human behaviours can be explained by breaking it down into smaller components

Question 2

What is holism?

Answer 2

Behaviour is due to a combination of factors such as socioeconomic factors, eduction, upbringing etc

Question 3

Give two strengths of the reductionism debate

Answer 3

• Supports Psych as a science: experimental methodology (objectivity), standardised procedures (replicability), cause and effect (falsifiability)
• Useful: Practical applications if complex behaviours can be reduced to simplified explanations

Question 4

Give two weaknesses of the reductionism debate

Answer 4

• Experimental methodology: low ecological validity… not reflective of everyday BEHAVIOUR
• Not useful: ignores combination of factors to explain complex behaviour (validity)

Question 5

Give two strengths of holism

Answer 5

• High in ecological validity: complex behaviours are often due to a variety and combination of interacting factors e.g socioeconomic factors, education, upbringing, experiences
• Useful: Practical applications to advise government policies on rehabilitation and education (aims of psychology)

Question 6

Give two weaknesses of Holism

Answer 6

• Difficult to determine specific causes on behaviour. Cannot identify which factors are more influential over others (validity)
• Does not support psychology as a science