P: Reductionism is a scientific approach as it offers clear and testable theories by focusing on specific variables.

E: For example, Behaviourist approaches reduce complex behaviours to simple stimulus-response associations studied in controlled laboratory settings.

E: This approach facilitates empirical testing and prediction of behaviour, which can help to advance knowledge within psychology.

P: Reductionism oversimplifies complex events by only focusing on biological or neurological explanations.

E: Only analysing behaviour in terms of genes or neurons fails to recognise the social contexts actions occur in. For instance, understanding why someone points a finger involves more than just physiological processes—it also depends on social cues, intentions, and cultural norms.

E: This limitation means reductionist approaches provide only partial explanations of behaviour. While they do offer insights into biological mechanisms, they fail to capture the complexity of human actions. Therefore, reductionist research may lack depth and validity in explaining behaviour comprehensively.

P: A limitation of holism is that variables are difficult to control

E: For instance, holistic approaches consider many interconnected factors like social context, and cultural influences, making it challenging to pinpoint specific causes of behaviours.

E: This complicates scientific testing as it's hard to isolate individual variables and establish clear cause-and-effect relationships. Therefore, while holistic perspectives offer a comprehensive view, their reliance on interconnected variables can affect the precision of scientific testing required to establish causal relationships effectively.