A03

• strength

  • proposes behaviour is often influenced by many factors, so holistic explanations may be more useful and therefore consider more causes
  • for example, depression, considering serotonin levels, environmental factors, trauma
  • thus leading to accurate, correct diagnosising and treatment- improve QOL and return to work , economy
• limitation- not based on empirical evidence

  • lack of empirical evidence associated with holistic viewpoints eg humanistic approach- rejecting ideas of lab studies
  • rejects the controlled study of components of behaviour, therefore lack of control means no standardised procedures allowing for replication and reliability and reduces theability to draw cause and effect relationships
  • doest support psychologys aim of being a science as a lack of scientific, empirical testing methods However, higher mundane realism- eco val
• strength- provides a more complete picture

  • Provides a more complete picture: Some examples of behaviour can only be understood at the holistic level.
  • Research into resisting conformity, such as Gamson’s work into the role of social support in groups, also makes use of holistic explanations by looking at the interactions within and between groups. Therefore, holistic explanations may provide a more ‘complete’ picture of behaviour and a more comprehensive explanation