Skip to content

Course home

Holism and reductionism

Holism and reductionism

EasyMediumHard
123456789
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?

A

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

B

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

C

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

D

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

Markscheme

Holism and reductionism Questions

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

32 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Psychology Holism and reductionism. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

Question bank