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Holism and reductionism

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Question 4

A clinical psychologist is investigating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using three different accounts:

  1. Underactivity in the caudate nucleus and elevated dopamine levels in the brain.
  2. The influence of behavioral expectations within a highly competitive, perfectionist family and peer network.
  3. The operant conditioning of compulsive rituals through the temporary reduction of anxiety (negative reinforcement).

According to the debate surrounding levels of explanation in psychology, which option correctly categorises these accounts from the highest (most holistic) to the lowest (most reductionist) level?

Highest: Account 2 (Social/Cultural); Middle: Account 3 (Psychological); Lowest: Account 1 (Biological)

Highest: Account 3 (Psychological); Middle: Account 2 (Social/Cultural); Lowest: Account 1 (Biological)

Highest: Account 2 (Social/Cultural); Middle: Account 1 (Biological); Lowest: Account 3 (Psychological)

Highest: Account 1 (Biological); Middle: Account 3 (Psychological); Lowest: Account 2 (Social/Cultural)

Holism and reductionism Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Psychology
  3. /Holism and reductionism

Practise AQA A Level Psychology Holism and reductionism with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 32 questions, matched to the AQA A Level Psychology (7182) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.

Question bank