AUTHOR=de la Fuente Jesús , González-Torres María Carmen , Aznárez-Sanado Maite , Martínez-Vicente José Manuel , Peralta-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Vera Manuel Mariano 

TITLE=Implications of Unconnected Micro, Molecular, and Molar Level Research in Psychology: The Case of Executive Functions, Self-Regulation, and External Regulation

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01919

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01919

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=<p>The proliferation of research production in Psychology as a science has been increasing exponentially. This situation leads to the necessity of organizing the research production into different levels of analysis that make it possible to delimit each research domain. The objective of this analysis is to clearly distinguish the different levels of research: micro-analysis, molecular, and molar. Each level is presented, along with an analysis of its benefits and limitations. Next, this analysis is applied to the topics of <italic>Executive Functions</italic>, <italic>Self-Regulation</italic>, and <italic>External Regulation</italic>. Conclusions, limitations, and implications for future research are offered, with a view toward a better connection of research production across the different levels, and an allusion to ethical considerations.</p>