Behavior analysts prefer the term modal action pattern over fixed-action pattern because:
A) Modal denotes the presence of slight idiosyncratic differences across members of the species
B) Modal indicates that the sequence of behaviors can change across members of the species
C) Modal indicates that the response is learned across the organism's lifespan
D) Modal indicates that this is the typical response pattern for the organism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "modal action pattern" is preferred because it acknowledges that while there are common patterns of behavior across members of a species, there can be individual variations or slight differences in how these behaviors are expressed. The word "modal" suggests that there is a mode or a typical pattern, but it is not so rigid as to imply that every individual will perform the behavior in exactly the same way, as the term "fixed-action pattern" might suggest. This allows for a more flexible understanding of behavior that can accommodate individual differences.

Behavior Analysts Prefer the Term Modal Action Pattern Over Fixed-Action