An argument is presented against the generic use of the term “behavior” in characterizing the entire range of human activity. Historical variations in the use of “behavior” are mentioned, and a terminology is suggested based on part-whole rather than class-inclusion relations and incorporating distinctions based on function and intention. Support for an emergence-holist approach to distinct levels of observed human activity is drawn from the literature on event perception and on the perceptual segmentation of behavior. Finally, an emergent-unit vocabulary is put forth to distinguish between action, behavior, and movement. Further extensions are suggested with an aim toward bridging the person-behavior gap.
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