Reductionism & Holism

• Reductionism


  • Reductionism refers to understanding complex behaviours and mental processes by breaking them down into simpler components or underlying factors, often focusing on biological or physiological mechanisms. It's the belief that complex phenomena can be explained by examining simpler, foundational elements or causes.
• Holism


  • Refers to an approach or perspective that emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the whole person or system rather than focusing solely on its individual parts or components.
• Strengths of Reductionism


  • Scientific study requires the isolation of variables to make it possible to identify the causes of behaviour.
  • Breaking complicated behaviours down into small parts that they can be scientifically tested. Then explanations based on scientific evidence will emerge.
  • A reductionist approach to studying mental disorders has led to the development of effective chemical treatments.
• Strengths of Holism


  • Looks at everything that may impact behaviour.
  • Doesn't ignore the complexity of behaviour.
  • Integrates different components of behaviour in order to understand the person as a whole.
  • Can be higher in ecological validity.
• Limitations of Reductionism


  • It can be argued that reductionist approaches don't allow us to identify why behaviours happen.
  • It has been suggested that the usefulness of reductionist approaches depends on the purpose to which they are put.
  • Interactionism is an alternative approach to reductionism, focusing on how different levels of analysis interact with one another.
• Limitations of Holism

  • Overcomplicates behaviours that may have simpler explanations.
  • Doesn't lend itself to the scientific method and empirical testing.
  • Makes it hard to determine cause and effect.
  • Neglects the importance of biological explanations.
  • Almost impossible to study all the factors that influence complex human behaviour.