How is reductionism defined in psychology?

Reductionism in psychology is defined as a perspective that simplifies complex systems to their basic units. This approach often involves breaking down psychological phenomena into their fundamental components to better understand them. For instance, when examining behavior or mental processes, reductionists might focus on biological or neurological factors, believing that these underlying aspects can explain more complex psychological behaviors.

This method contrasts with holistic approaches, which emphasize the interconnectedness of various aspects of experience or functioning. Furthermore, reductionism can sometimes overlook the importance of conscious experience by prioritizing objective measurements over subjective understanding. Therefore, identifying the fundamental elements of a system is central to reductionism's aim to develop clearer, more precise explanations for psychological phenomena.