Holism and Reductionism – Questions by Topic
Q1.
Explain one strength and one limitation of a reductionist approach in psychology.
(Total 4 marks)
Q2.
Briefly outline what psychologists mean by ‘levels of explanation’.
(Total 2 marks)
Q3.
Read the item and then answer the questions that follow.
Dr Grant and Dr Austin both study people with depression. Dr Grant
carries out experimental research to investigate the brain chemistry
of people with depression. Dr Austin carries out unstructured
interviews with people with depression to find out about their
symptoms and various aspects of their lives, including their general
behaviour and their relationships.
(a) Referring to the item above, explain what is meant by holism and reductionism.
(4)
(b) Suggest one way in which Dr Austin might take account of ethical considerations
when carrying out the interviews.
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Q4.
A psychology student carried out a study of excitement at a theme park. She measured
the heart rate of people waiting in the queue for a roller coaster.
The student’s tutor said, ‘Using heart rate as a measure of excitement is an example of
biological reductionism.’
(a) Explain why measuring heart rate in this situation could be an example of biological
reductionism.
(2)
(b) Outline two non-biological ways of measuring excitement that the student could also
use in this situation.
(4)
(Total 6 marks)
AQA Psychology A-level 1 PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
Q1.
Explain one strength and one limitation of a reductionist approach in psychology.
(Total 4 marks)
Q2.
Briefly outline what psychologists mean by ‘levels of explanation’.
(Total 2 marks)
Q3.
Read the item and then answer the questions that follow.
Dr Grant and Dr Austin both study people with depression. Dr Grant
carries out experimental research to investigate the brain chemistry
of people with depression. Dr Austin carries out unstructured
interviews with people with depression to find out about their
symptoms and various aspects of their lives, including their general
behaviour and their relationships.
(a) Referring to the item above, explain what is meant by holism and reductionism.
(4)
(b) Suggest one way in which Dr Austin might take account of ethical considerations
when carrying out the interviews.
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Q4.
A psychology student carried out a study of excitement at a theme park. She measured
the heart rate of people waiting in the queue for a roller coaster.
The student’s tutor said, ‘Using heart rate as a measure of excitement is an example of
biological reductionism.’
(a) Explain why measuring heart rate in this situation could be an example of biological
reductionism.
(2)
(b) Outline two non-biological ways of measuring excitement that the student could also
use in this situation.
(4)
(Total 6 marks)
AQA Psychology A-level 1 PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
