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On the "Strength" of Behavior.

Carsta Simon1, João Lucas Bernardy2, Sarah Cowie3

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This study argues that the concept of response strength is unnecessary for a natural science of behavior. A molar perspective offers a better alternative for understanding temporally extended behavior.

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Discrete unitsMolar approachPrivate eventsResponse reservoirResponse strengthSignpostsStrengthening by reinforcement

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral science
  • Philosophy of science

Background:

  • The concept of response strength is debated within the natural science of behavior.
  • It is implicitly used by radical behaviorists and explicitly by Palmer (2009) across overt, covert, and latent behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reconsider the concept of response strength in relation to the foundations of a natural science of behavior.
  • To argue against the necessity and potential harm of response strength, particularly when applied to nonobservable events.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of the response strength concept.
  • Critique of applying causal status to nonobservable events.
  • Proposal of a molar view as an alternative framework.

Main Results:

  • The concept of response strength is deemed superfluous and potentially harmful to scientific endeavors.
  • Interpreting physiological data (e.g., EEG) as indicators of response strength risks reducing behavior to underlying mechanisms.
  • A discrete unit view of behavior, often associated with response strength, invites conceptual errors.

Conclusions:

  • The concept of response strength should be abandoned in favor of a more comprehensive approach.
  • A molar view of behavior, which considers temporally extended actions, is proposed as a superior alternative.
  • Focusing on observable, temporally extended behavior avoids the pitfalls of positing unobservable constructs like response strength.