What is the reductionism vs holism debate in psychology?

The debate raises questions regarding the extent to which a theory explains a behaviour. 
A reductionist theory in order to explain a complex phenomena reduces its constituent parts. i.e behaviour is greatly simplified. This is unrepresentative of the true nature of human behaviour. 
A holistic theory takes into account all the constituent parts/factors that may contribute to behaviour and accepts that they all play a role in the specific outcomes. Such theories are more realistic and representative of human behaviour but do not establish any causation.

AM
Answered by Amirah M. Psychology tutor

22611 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline and evaluate the biological explanation of depression.


Outline one or more ways in which behaviourists treat phobias (6 marks)


Outline and explain the structure of the personality [6 marks]


Two types of long-term memory are procedural memory and episodic memory. Explain two differences between procedural memory and episodic memory. (4 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning