Holism vs Reductionism

Define reductionism

The idea that human behaviour can be best explained by breaking it down into smaller, simpler parts - works on the scientific principles of parsimony

Define parsimony

The idea that the simplest explanation is the best — we should not make things more complicated than they need to be.

What is levels of explanation?

Different ways psychologists can explain behaviour — from the most broad and social level, down to the most biological and detailed level.

What is the highest level? (socio-cultural)

Behaviour is explained by social context, cultural norms, and how individuals interact with others. For example, Depression might be explained by social isolation, poverty, or cultural stigma around emotions.

• More holistic

What is the middle level? (Psychological)

Behaviour is explained by cognitive, emotional or behavioural processes — how we think, feel, and learn. For example, Depression explained by negative thought patterns (Beck’s cognitive theory).

What is the lowest level? (Biological)

Behaviour is explained in terms of genes, brain structure, neurochemistry, or hormones. For example, Depression = low serotonin or genetic vulnerability.

• More reductionist

What are the 2 types of reductionism?

Biological and environmental

What is biological reductionism?

Explaining behaviour by reducing it to biological components — such as genes, neurotransmitters, hormones, or brain structures. For example, Depression = low serotonin.

What is Environmental (stimulus-response) reductionism?

Explaining behaviour by reducing it to simple learning associations — like stimulus → response. For example, Phobias = learned via classical conditioning (e.g., Little Albert).

What is holism?

Holism is the view that behaviour should be studied as a whole, not just by breaking it down into parts.

Holistic psychologists believe that the full experience — including social context, emotions, culture, and personal meaning — is greater than the sum of its parts.

Give examples of holism in psychology

• Humanistic psychology - looks at the whole person.

• Social psychology - looks at behaviour of people in a social context. Group behaviour (e.g. conformity, de-individualisation) may show characteristics that are greater than the sum of individuals which comprise it. Zimbardo and social roles.