purposive behaviourism

Purposive behaviorism, also known as molar behaviorism, is a system of psychology developed by Edward C. Tolman. It focuses on the entire action of an organism, viewing behavior as goal-directed and guided by cognitive processes. This approach emerged as a reaction to simpler stimulus-response models, suggesting that behavior is not just a mechanical response but a purposeful act organized around the goals it serves.12

Hormic psychology is a related concept concerned with the purposive factor in behavior. Cognitive theories of motivation, which emphasize the active processing of information, also align with this purposive view, suggesting that behavior is directed by expectations based on past experiences. This contrasts with earlier behaviorism, which largely excluded mental life and focused solely on observable actions.34562