The correct spelling of the word "action pattern" is /ˈækʃən ˈpætərn/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound as in "cat" and the "c" is pronounced as "sh". The second syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound as well, followed by the "t" sound. The third and fourth syllables are pronounced with a schwa sound, which is the unstressed "uh" sound. This term is commonly used in fields such as psychology, biology, and robotics to describe sequences of movements or behaviors.
Action pattern refers to a series of coordinated actions or behaviors performed by an organism in response to a certain stimulus or situation. It is a term commonly used in the field of ethology, which is the study of animal behavior. In ethology, action patterns are observed and analyzed to understand the underlying mechanisms and motivations behind an organism's behavior.
An action pattern typically consists of a sequence of specific, innate or learned movements or actions that an organism carries out in a predetermined order. These patterns are often exhibited in response to external stimuli, internal needs, or as a part of a complex behavioral repertoire. The actions performed within an action pattern are typically consistent across individuals of a particular species, indicating a genetically predetermined nature.
Action patterns can vary greatly in complexity and can involve various body movements, vocalizations, or other behavioral manifestations. They can range from simple, reflexive responses, such as a predator's hunting sequence, to more elaborate patterns like courtship displays or territorial behaviors. These patterns are often crucial for survival, reproduction, and communication among individuals of the same species.
The study of action patterns provides insights into the behavior and ecology of organisms, shedding light on the underlying evolutionary and ecological processes. By identifying and characterizing these behavioral patterns, researchers can better understand the functional significance and adaptive value of specific behaviors in different species and contexts.
• See pattern.
• According to Crile's theory, a complicated set of tracks or grooves (figuratively speaking), partly congenital and partly acquired, for the conduction of stimuli and impulses in the brain, in virtue of which a certain stimulus is apt to be followed by a certain action, the action induced by the stimulus varying in each individual according to the action pattern in his brain.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the term "action pattern" can be broken down into two parts: "action" and "pattern".
1. Action:
The term "action" is derived from the Latin word "actio" which means "act of doing" or "performance". This Latin word is derived from the verb "agere", meaning "to do" or "to act". Over time, through various language developments, "actio" evolved in English to form the word "action".
2. Pattern:
The term "pattern" comes from the Middle English word "patron", which originated from the Old French word "patron" meaning "example" or "model". The Old French word itself has roots in the Latin word "patronus" which refers to a "protector" or "defender".