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Related Experiment Videos

From molecular to molar: a paradigm shift in behavior analysis.

William M Baum1

  • 1University of California-Davis, USA. wmbaum@ucdavis.edu

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|July 30, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Behavior analysis is debating molecular versus molar views. The molar perspective, focusing on temporally extended activities, offers a more plausible explanation for complex behaviors and research findings than the discrete response-based molecular view.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Behavior Analysis

Background:

  • A fundamental paradigm clash exists within behavior analysis.
  • This involves the molecular view (discrete responses) versus the molar view (temporally extended activities).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the ontological distinctions between molecular and molar views of behavior.
  • To demonstrate the explanatory advantages of the molar view in interpreting research findings and everyday behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of behavior paradigms.
  • Interpretation of research findings (tempo variation, concurrent performance asymmetry, resistance to change) through both molecular and molar lenses.

Main Results:

  • The molar view interprets response rate and choice as concrete behavioral allocations, not abstract derivations.

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  • Extended behavioral allocations are seen as individuals, with smaller activities as parts of larger wholes.
  • The molar view offers a more plausible explanation for phenomena like tempo variation and resistance to change.

    • Conclusions:

    • The molar view provides a more elegant, integrative, and plausible framework for understanding behavior compared to the molecular view.
    • It better accounts for complex behavioral phenomena by treating activities as temporally extended individuals.