Holism vs Reductionism in Psychology

What is the main idea behind holism in understanding human behaviour?

• Focusing on individual parts separately

• Understanding behaviour as an integrated whole

• Analysing behaviour through reductionism

• Prioritising biological factors over psychological ones

Which group of psychologists is associated with the phrase "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts"?

• Behaviourist psychologists

• Gestalt psychologists

• Humanistic psychologists

• Cognitive psychologists

What does the Müller-Lyer illusion demonstrate about perception?

• Perception is unaffected by surrounding elements

• Perception is influenced by the context of the whole image

• Perception is solely based on individual lines

• Perception is a result of biological factors only

Which psychologist is known for the hierarchy of needs?

• Carl Rogers

• Sigmund Freud

• Abraham Maslow

• B.F. Skinner

What is the main criticism of reductionism according to the holistic view?

• It simplifies complex behaviours into measurable variables

• It overlooks the richness of human experience

• It focuses too much on environmental factors

• It is too broad and lacks scientific rigour

What is biological reductionism?

• Explaining behaviour through environmental factors

• Explaining behaviour at the level of genes and brain chemicals

• Explaining behaviour through cultural influences

• Explaining behaviour through social interactions

Which type of reductionism is typified by behaviourist explanations?

• Biological reductionism

• Environmental reductionism

• Psychological reductionism

• Sociological reductionism

What is the main advantage of a reductionist approach?

• It provides a holistic understanding of behaviour

• It allows for scientific investigation and practical applications

• It considers multiple factors simultaneously

• It focuses on cultural and social influences

In the context of levels of explanation, what does the middle psychological level focus on?

• Serotonin levels in the brain

• Obsessive, irrational thoughts and their emotional impact

• Social relationships and cultural influences

• Genetic predispositions

Which psychological approach strongly supports the holistic perspective?

• Behaviourist psychology

• Humanistic psychology

• Cognitive psychology

• Psychoanalytic psychology