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Assess how far psychology could be considered a reductionist explanation of human behaviour. - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 3
Question 6
Assess how far psychology could be considered a reductionist explanation of human behaviour.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess how far psychology could be considered a reductionist explanation of human behaviour. - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 3
Step 1
Reductionism as an Explanation
Answer
Reductionism in psychology refers to the idea of explaining complex phenomena, like human behavior, in terms of simpler components. This approach suggests that understanding the smaller units of a phenomenon can provide insights into the larger, more complex behaviors.
For example, the biological perspective often reduces behavior to genetic or neural levels, claiming that individual actions are the results of biological processes. However, this perspective may neglect the influence of social and environmental factors on behavior.
Step 2
Evidence of Reductionism in Psychology
Answer
One classic example of reductionist methods in psychology is the work of Baddeley (1966b), who tested acoustic and semantic coding in memory. His laboratory experiments isolated specific cognitive functions, demonstrating that memory can be understood by dissecting its components, such as short-term and long-term memory.
Another example can be drawn from Watson and Rayner's (1920) study, where they isolated stimulus-response pairings to show behavioral learning processes. These instances highlight the utility of reductionist approaches in providing clearer insights into specific behaviors.
Step 3
Holistic Perspectives in Psychology
Answer
Despite the merits of reductionism, many psychologists argue for more holistic approaches. For example, social learning theory emphasizes the role of environment and social interactions in learning behavior, suggesting that behavior cannot be fully understood without considering the context in which it occurs. This perspective recognizes the complex interplay between individual cognition and the social world.
Additionally, Raine et al. (1997) found that violent behavior is influenced by multiple brain regions and various social, psychological, and environmental factors. This interrelated view supports a more holistic understanding of behavior that reductionist approaches may overlook.
Step 4
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while psychology employs reductionist methods to explain behavior through isolated components, it risks oversimplifying the complexity of human actions. A balanced approach that incorporates both reductionist and holistic theories is essential for a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior, recognizing the multidimensional influences that shape actions.