The scientific method is reductionist, which is necessary to treat psychiatric illnessess, but over simplifies behaviour. It assumes behaviour is caused by just one thing (the IV), ignoring other important factors such as individual differences and the subjectivity of participants. This means it may not be produce an accurate explanation of behaviour as it doesn't account for other possibe causes, or the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This method is also determanistic as in order to predict and explain behaviour it must be universal and external causes must determine our actions, denying free will.
Examples;
- Loftus and Palmer assumed that changes in speed estimate were due to the verb being used, ignoring individual differences like memory skill that may be impacting behaviour.
- Milgram assumed it was purely the situation that made people deliver lethal shocks, regardless of the individual. That 100% did not go to 450v shows that other factors must impact behaviour, rejecting deterministic and reductionist views.
Comments
No comments have yet been made