The phrase "instances of behaviour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing specific occurrences or examples of a particular type of behavior.
Example: "In the study, we observed several instances of behaviour that indicated stress among the participants."
Alternatives: "examples of behavior" or "cases of behavior".
Traits refer not to single instances of a behaviour, such as lying, but to persistent although not unvarying behaviour that, according to some personologists, implies a disposition to respond in a particular, identifiable way.
Mair's (2011) focus is on the 'behavioural turn' in public health, noting that this approach separates the person from the behaviour, leading to a potentially distorting tendency to study, count and treat instances of the behaviour rather than the person who smokes.
Despite their waning use, the chief inspector of constabulary has warned that instances of antisocial behaviour occur every two seconds.
Teachers play an important role in noticing small instances of good behaviour and giving the pupil positive feedback with smiles, nods, and phrases such as "well done".
Another would be to closely investigate any instances of suspicious behaviour by traders, as already practised by the US futures trading supervisory body, it said.
Even though the Leveson inquiry put ethics on the agenda as never before, there have been instances of bad behaviour since.
Why brands are doing it is a murkier issue, with certain ones overhauling their logos in spite of alleged instances of homophobic behaviour among staff.
Prior to most instances of collective behaviour there is a period during which people move about in a somewhat agitated but aimless way.
Instances of inappropriate behaviour included people who sent "overtly sexist texts" to private mobile numbers, and "overtly sexist comments against females in some teams... resulting in a difficult and tense working environment".
However, law enforcement is encroaching for a reason, which is that there have been many documented instances of unconscientious behaviour from rogue doctors running "pill mills", and from pharmaceutical companies themselves.
