Reductionism VS Holism

• (AO1) What is the debate about?

  The debate dabbles in the fact that if concepts should be reduced to simple components, or if Psychology should take a more holistic approach to be effective at explaining behaviour?
• (AO1) Define holism

  Originally creates by Gestalt, holism refers to the idea that human behaviour should be viewed as a whole integrated experience, and not as separate parts.
• (AO1) Define reductionism + examples

  The belief that human behaviour can be explained by breaking it down into simpler component parts. Multiple types:

  
  

  Biological - refers to the way that biological psychologists try to reduce behaviour to a physical and physiological level, and explaining it in terms of neurons, neurotransmitters, hormones, brain structure etc.

  
  

  Environmental - (also known as stimulus-response reductionism) is supported by Behaviourists, who assume that all behaviour can be reduced to the simple building blocks of S-R associations, learned through experience.
• (AO1) Discuss levels of explanation 




  • In order to effectively consider this, levels of explanation should be explored.
  • This refers to the fact that all behaviour can be explained by different levels.
  • This will vary in accordance to how reductionist the explanation is.
• (AO1) Agression example

  Can be considered at (high) socio-cultural level, individual in environment (with friends/family/broader society) where its valued, seen to earn respect and establish dominance.

  
  

  At (mid) psychological level, individual developed cognitive schemas, biasing their interpretation of situations involving agression. Could lead to an agressive response when faced with challenging situation.

  
  

  Within a (low) biological level, agression apart of evolution, could be the result of brain, neurochemicals, and genetics. Enhance survival and reproductive success.
• (AO3) Support holism - multiple = validity

  Point: Strength

  
  

  Evidence: Holism allows for exploring how cognitive processes, social interactions, and biological factors interact to shape an individual's experience and behaviour.

  
  

  Evaluate: The inclusion of multiple factors likely gives holistic explanations for behaviour more validity than reductionist explanations.
• (AO3) Limitation holism overlook - too broad

  Point: The holistic approach might overlook specific elements by focusing too broadly on the whole.

  
  

  Evidence: Might fail to acknowledge the importance of individual components, such as neurotransmitters in mental health.
• (AO3) Support reductionism - empirical testing

  Point/Evidence: Reductionism supports the development and empirical testing of treatments e.g. drug therapies.

  
  

  Evaluate: These therapies have helped millions of people manage various mental health symptoms by altering neural mechanisms.
• (AO3) Limitation reductionism - overly simplistic

  Point: Overly simplistic

  
  

  Evidence: Overlooks complex interactions between multiple behavioural causes e.g. focusing only on biological aspects might disregard valid cognitive and social factors.

  
  

  Evaluate: Lack face validity