reductionism vs. holism

Question 1

reductionism

Answer 1

breaking down complex phenomenon into simple components

based on assumption of parsimony (that complex phenomena should be explained by the simplest underlying principles)

Question 2

holism

Answer 2

considering a concept in it’s entirety

Question 3

when can you use the hypothetico-deductive model

Answer 3

when the hypothesis is specific and measurable
measurement must be reduced to one factor to achieve this

Question 4

weaknesses of reductionism

Answer 4

lacks validity - doesn’t consider depth needed to understand behaviour fully
can’t explain the bigger issue of why we behave as we do
can lead to incomplete explanations

Question 5

physiological reductionism

Answer 5

should be possible to reduce complex behaviours down to neurophysical components

leads to concrete concepts

de-emphasises importance of environmental factors

Question 6

evolutionary reductionism

Answer 6

explains behaviour in terms of natural and sexual selection
suggests all behaviours can be reduced to genetic influences

suggests that relationships are best explained in evolutionary terms

Question 7

environmental reductionism

Answer 7

idea that all behaviours can be explained in terms of stimulus-response links

Question 8

machine reductionism

Answer 8

likens human mind to a computer