What does the term 'holistic' imply in psychological research?

The term 'holistic' in psychological research implies that understanding complex behaviors and mental processes requires looking at the whole system rather than just its individual components. This perspective recognizes that interactions between different factors—such as biological, psychological, and social influences—contribute to behavior in ways that cannot be fully understood by examining each element separately. Therefore, the idea that "the total is greater than the sum of its parts" effectively encompasses the holistic approach, as it emphasizes the significance of relationships and context in shaping behavior, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of psychological phenomena. This viewpoint encourages researchers to consider the interplay of various influences rather than isolating variables, thereby enriching the study of psychology.