The approach to the study of a psychological phenomenon through analysis of the elementary parts of which it is assumed to be composed. Cf.:holism.
* * *
at·om·ism 'at-ə-.miz-əm n
1) a doctrine that the universe is composed of simple indivisible minute particles
2) a psychological doctrine that perceptions, thoughts, and all mental processes are built up by the combination of simple elements
Medical dictionary. 2011.