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

22367 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline the Behaviourist Approach to explaining Behaviour (12 marks)


Describe the attachment study carried out by Lorenz


What is Bandura's (1973) Social Learning Theory?


Briefly describe and explain one study in which plasticity of the brain has been investigated. (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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning