Evaluation

• Case for reductionism

  -development of treatments:

  -breaking down behaviour and mental illness into smaller parts. Allows for identification of specific unit which caused the behaviour.

  -e.g. the role of serotonin in regulating mood lead to development of specific interventions and therapies which target that individual component.
• Case for reductionism

  -fits well with psychology's drive for scientific status.

  -The individual components can be studied objectively and empirical evidence is gained.

  -e.g. behaviours seek to explain complex behaviours such as phobias by breaking them down into individual associations.
• Making a case for Holism

  -'whole is greater than the sum of it's parts'.

  -just studying parts doesn't tell us that something new can be created.

  -Reductionism approach underestimates emergent properties.
• Making a case for holism

  -Social behaviours can only be investigated in holistic context n which they occur in.

  -e.g. Bowing can be explained by referencing to the motor cortex.

  -Japanese culture bowing can only be explained by understanding culture in which it takes place. It's a sign of respect and a way to express emotions.