A03

• What is one limitation of the holism approach?

  It may lack practical value
• Why do holistic accounts of human behavior become hard to use?

  They become more complex over time
• What practical dilemma do researchers face with holistic accounts of depression?

  Determining which factor is most influential
• What does the humanistic perspective suggest about factors contributing to depression?

  Many different factors contribute to depression
• What is a strength of reductionist approaches?

  They form the basis of a scientific approach
• Why is operationalizing variables important in research?

  It allows for well-controlled research
• How does operationalizing behaviors help in research?

  It breaks behaviors into constituent parts
• What does the scientific approach provide to psychology?

  Greater credibility with natural sciences
• What is a limitation of reductionist approaches regarding complex phenomena?

  They oversimplify complex phenomena
• Why might reductionist explanations lack validity?

  They do not consider social context
• What does the Stanford prison study illustrate about social behavior?

  It cannot be understood by individuals alone
• What is suggested about higher level explanations for some behaviors?

  They provide a more valid account
• What are the strengths and limitations of holistic and reductionist approaches?

  Strengths of holistic approach:

  • Considers multiple factors in behavior

  
  

  Limitations of holistic approach:

  • May lack practical value
  • Complexity makes it hard to apply

  
  

  Strengths of reductionist approach:

  • Forms basis of scientific research
  • Allows for objective and reliable studies

  
  

  Limitations of reductionist approach:

  • Oversimplifies complex phenomena
  • Ignores social context of behavior
• How do holistic and reductionist approaches differ in understanding behavior?

  Holistic approach:

  • Considers the whole person
  • Emphasizes multiple contributing factors

  
  

  Reductionist approach:

  • Breaks behavior into parts
  • Focuses on specific variables