Fixed Action Pattern, FAP
Updated 2026-08-08
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
A concept from ethology, established by Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen, describing a stereotyped behavior sequence that is released by a specific sign stimulus and, once begun, proceeds to completion even if the stimulus is withdrawn. Classic examples include egg retrieval in greylag geese. The core claim is that some behavior is hardwired to a trigger rather than produced by deliberation. The qualification is that the concept applies most cleanly to animals, and human analogues are looser and overlaid with learning.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Use Trigger Spotting: Identify the specific cue that sets off an automatic reaction in you or others. - Use Pause Insertion: Add a deliberate delay before responding to cues that trigger automatic compliance. - Use Cue Design: Use well-chosen triggers in products to support habits you actually want.
Anchor fast decisions
A specific cue activates a pre-formed behavioral program that then runs to completion without continuous checking, which is why the behavior continues even after the cue is gone. Because the program bypasses deliberate evaluation, it is fast and reliable but insensitive to changed circumstances. Persuasion can exploit this by supplying the cue rather than the argument, which is why a request paired with any stated reason gains compliance.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
account_treeGenealogyexpand_more
menu_bookReferencesexpand_more
Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed_action_patternverified
PRIVATE NOTES · Only visible to you
SAVED Q&A
ENTRY Q&A · Private saving available
Ask with a clear boundary
thinkingmodels answers from published entry context only.
Your question is sent to thinkingmodels. The answer uses public entry context only.
RELATED MODELS