What is reductionism, and how is it viewed within the Biological approach?

• A. It asserts that behaviour is taught purely by social environment
• B. It posits that all behaviour is random
• C. It means behaviour cannot be studied scientifically
• D. It claims complex behaviour can be explained by simple biological factors and is central to the approach, though critics say it neglects environment and cognition

Answer: (D)

Reductionism is the idea that complex behaviours can be explained by breaking them down into simpler biological parts—like genes, neurotransmitters, and brain structures—and showing how these parts drive or influence how we act. In the Biological approach, this view is central because it aims to explain behaviour in terms of underlying biological mechanisms. For example, investigating how dopamine relates to reward or how hormones influence aggression illustrates how intricate behaviours can be understood through biological factors. Critics argue that this focus can overlook important influences from the environment and cognitive processes, and from how higher-level factors interact with biology. So, the statement that complex behaviour can be explained by simple biological factors and is central to the approach, though environment and cognition matter too, best captures this idea.