An illustration of simple sequence analysis with reference to the agonistic behaviour of four strains of laboratory...

Many authors have assumed that the functions of behavioural elements may be deduced from the sequence in which they occur. This study explains from basic principles a simple procedure, based of the X(2) test, for analysing behavioural sequences. The formation of groups of "similar" elements (cluster analysis) and their interpretation is discussed with reference to the agonistic behaviour of individually-housed male mice from four different strains. Associations between elements are found to be consistent with the functions assigned them by previous authors though strain differences in behavioural organisation are evident. Behav. Processes 11: 365-388.