What characterizes reductionism in research?

Reductionism in research is characterized by explaining phenomena using a limited set of concepts or factors. This approach seeks to break down complex phenomena into their smallest parts, assuming that a full understanding can be achieved by examining these components in isolation. By focusing on a narrow scope, reductionism often disregards the multifaceted nature of relationships among variables and the broader context, which can lead to an incomplete understanding of the subject being studied.

In contrast to this, approaches that consider a wide range of variables or that integrate multiple dimensions of a phenomenon would not be categorized as reductionist. The focus on a limited set of concepts in reductionism emphasizes the potential for simplicity and clarity but can neglect nuanced understanding that could arise from a more holistic analysis.