An approach that reduces a complex phenomenon such as human behaviour

to the simplest explanation.

I.E. can explain behaviour & experiences in reference to one factor

e.g. physiology.

Helps understand the world better

Has led to some great discoveries

Easier to study one component rather than several

Study more objective and scientifically acceptable because other variables isolated.

Makes complex behaviour very simplistic

Component isolated doesn’t give full explanation of behaviour

Difficult to isolate component influence of extraneous variables

Other explanation e.g. social

Raine – Looks at brain dysfunction as cause of criminal behaviour.

Dement & Kleitman – Rapid eye movement linked to dreams.

More to dreams unconscious mind, experiences through the day etc.

Looks at individuals as a whole, or perhaps looks at a all factors which together might

explain a behaviour.

Humanistic approach.

Provides a more complete picture.

Understands complexity of behaviour .

Holistic approach more useful Many factors influence behaviour.

Considers individual differences.

Difficult to investigate all the different components = very costly.

More hypothetical – not based on empirical evidence.

Prevents predicting behaviour.

Neglects importance of physiological influences.

Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) multi-axial tool looks at patients physical condition, social & economic condition when diagnosing.

Rosenhan & Seligman – Definition of dysfunctional behaviour. Different definition of dysfunctional behaviour.

Reductionism & Holism can be very useful in

Psychology and has lead to some great

discoveries. However, they do have their

limitations.