Reductionism v Holism

Question 1

Reductionism

Answer 1

When complex behaviours are separated into simple components and can overlook other causes behind the behaviour. Only examines simple causes while ignoring other explanations.

Question 2

Holism

Answer 2

Looks at behaviour as a whole, includes every explanation

Question 3

Strengths of reductionism

Answer 3

• By breaking down a phenomen to its essential parts it may be possible to understand the problem behaviour better
• Easier to understand just one component rather than multiple
• Examining one factor in detail can give more essential information

Question 4

Weaknesses of reductionism

Answer 4

• It is too simplistic because it ignores the complexities of human behaviour since behaviour often has more than one different reason as to why it is happening
• They cannot be genralised since they lack ecological validity

Question 5

Strengths of holism

Answer 5

• Human behaviour is highly complex and higher levels of analysis give a more complete and realistic view of behaviour
• A holistic approach interacts many different aspects to provide a better explanation to behaviour

Question 6

Weaknesses of holism

Answer 6

• Adopting many levels of analysis is a challenge an can take a long time to complete
• It is a danger that biological aspects of behaviour is neglected as biology can often be the first reductionist explanation, holistic explanation will look at other options first
• There is danger that too many factors cloud one another. This can make it difficult to know which factor is the most influential