A reference to the sequence of a stimulus leading to motor behavior via a simple sensorimotor path.

Beta arc refers to arousal of higher cortical paths by the functioning of an alpha arc; thus, leading to a "sensation" rather than simple "awareness", and not by an outside stimulus directly.

The term alpha arc is approximately equivalent to immediate response in Watson's behavioristic psychology, while the term beta arc is roughly equivalent to Watson's delayed response or implicit behavior.