During the academic year 1984/85 a study group on "Per- ception and Action" was established at the Center for Inter- disciplinary Research of the University of Bielefeld. Among the various activities of this group was a series of symposia. This volume covers the proceedings of one of the sym- posia, held in October 1984 and entitled "Generation and Modulation of Action Patterns". Bringing together scientists from diverse disciplines in gen- eral is challenging, but also hazardous. Aware of the notori- ous communication problems, it was tried to keep the number of representatives of at least the major areas of Neurobiology and Psychology about equal and to elicit pre- sentations that combine experimental findings with theoret- ical statements on major issues in motor control. Despite the different' viewpoints, concepts, research strategies, and methods as they are reflected in the present volume, there was the general impression among the participants that such a multidisciplinary effort was profitable and one step on the way to the realization of common goals and com- mon conceptual grounds.