Holism & Reductionism (AQA A Level Psychology)

Exam Questions

10 mins2 questions
1a2 marks

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.’

Explain why measuring heart rate in this situation could be an example of biological reductionism.

1b4 marks

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.’

Outline two non-biological ways of measuring excitement that the student could also use in this situation.

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24 marks

Explain one strength and one limitation of a reductionist approach in psychology.

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