Presented with the Sidman file (p. 335)
Baum, W. M. (2001).
Molar versus molecular as a paradigm clash.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior,
75, 338-341.
The molar view of behavior arose in response to the demonstrated
inadequacy of explanations based on contiguity. Although
Dinsmoor’s (2001) modifications to two-factor theory render it
irrefutable, a more basic criticism arises when we see that the
molar and molecular views differ paradigmatically. The molar view
has proven more productive.
Key words: molar view, molecular view, contiguity, atomism,
two-factor theory, paradigm