reductionism vs holism

• What gene-related factor contributes to schizophrenia?

  A gene makes someone vulnerable to it
• What triggers the development of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals?

  Stress in the environment
• How do nature and nurture interact in explaining behavior related to schizophrenia?

  Both are needed to explain behavior
• What is reductionism in psychology?

  • Explains behavior by isolating variables
  • Suggests the simplest explanation possible
• What is holism in psychology?

  • Explains behavior by considering multiple variables
  • Includes interactions of nature and nurture
• What does the interactionist explanation of schizophrenia propose?

  Predisposition plus environmental trigger causes illness
• What are the three levels of explanation in psychology?

  Biological, psychological, social and cultural
• How can depression be explained at the biological level?

  Inherited due to faulty genes or neurotransmitter imbalance
• How can depression be explained at the psychological level?

  Due to faulty thinking and negative schemas
• How can depression be explained at the holistic level?

  Due to a range of cultural and social factors
• What are the strengths of reductionist explanations?

  • Simplifies behavior for treatment methods
  • Allows for scientific testing through controlled experiments
• How does simplifying OCD to low serotonin levels help in treatment?

  Medication can increase serotonin concentration
• What did Maguire's study demonstrate about brain plasticity?

  Spatial navigation experience affects the hippocampus
• What is a limitation of reductionist explanations in psychology?

  Can lead to inaccurate and basic explanations
• Why is the diathesis-stress model considered more useful than biological reductionism?

  It accounts for both predisposition and environmental triggers
• What are the implications of holistic explanations in psychology?

  • Interactions of multiple factors explain behavior
  • More comprehensive understanding of mental disorders