Reductionism Vs Holism Flashcards
1
Q
What is meant by holism?
A
D: many explanations linked to a single behaviour
I: hypothetical, tends to be less predictable
A: social/psychoanalysis
M: observation
2
Q
Reductionist studies?
A
- Bruner: assumes only X-chromosome causes behaviour, upbringing?
- Maguire: assumes only size of hippocampi causes memory, education?
- G+M: assumes control causes stress, may be bio tendency? Work? Family?
3
Q
Holistic studies?
A
- Freud= use of observations+interviews, many factors taken into account both conscious+un
- Milgram= many possible explanations considered
- Wilson+Daly= included many possible social conflicts
- Wilkstrom+Tafel= includes many factors that could effect adolescents criminality
4
Q
Strengths of reductionist?
A
- scientific+analytical= quantitative data
- lab= easier control of extraneous v
- supports PAS
- practical applications
5
Q
Strengths of holism?
A
- higher mundane realism as reflects complexity of world
- higher external validity as incorporates many factors
- qualitative research methods
6
Q
Cons of reductionist?
A
- oversimplification= less valid
- lacking in mundane realism
- hard to apply to real life as implied behaviour has one cause
7
Q
Cons of holism?
A
- difficult to test as impossible to acknowledge all possible factors
- qualitative= harder to compare+analyse
- harder to apply findings as no straightforward cause+effect links
8
Q
What is meant by reductionism?
A
D: reducing complex behaviours to isolated variables
I: may not apply to other environments
A: biological/behaviourist
M: experiment
