Reductionist - GCSE Psychology Definition

What is Reductionist?

In GCSE psychology, a reductionist approach is the belief that behaviour can only be understood by simplifying it to its most fundamental and basic parts, often focusing on biological or physiological mechanisms. 

It is based on the scientific principle of parsimony that the simplest, most basic explanations are the best; however, this approach can be criticised for overlooking other significant reasons for behaviour. 

In psychology, one example is the reductionist nature of antidepressant drugs. This is because antidepressants, such as SSRIs, target serotonin, indicating that depression is solely caused by low levels of this particular neurotransmitter. A problem with this explanation is that it ignores potential psychological and sociocultural causes of depression and attributes it solely to the action of neurotransmitters. 

Reductionist Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

You can use the Save My Exams revision notes to revise the biological interventions for depression to help you further your understanding of the treatments for depression.

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