The Constraints Collective #60 Let's ditch the ecological/information processing dualism
Sep 14, 2025
Dive into the clash between cognitive and ecological approaches to skill acquisition and coaching. Unpack the evolution from rigid, traditional methods to more dynamic ecological perspectives, emphasizing interaction with the environment. Discover how to foster athlete engagement by moving beyond mechanical practice and embracing challenges. Learn about the challenges of parental expectations and how to turn mistakes into growth opportunities. Gain insights into the importance of context in shaping learning experiences, especially in sports.
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Different Philosophical Roots
- Cognitive and ecological approaches arise from different philosophical foundations and can't be fully integrated yet.
- Choose frameworks knowing they rest on distinct assumptions about person–environment relations.
1980s Shift And Ongoing Debate
- The ecological approach rose in the 1980s as a challenge to dominant cognitive textbooks.
- Neither side delivered a knockout; debate led to 'agree to disagree' and continued parallel development.
Be Honest When Mixing Theories
- If you mix theories, avoid claiming a single coherent evidence-based scientific foundation.
- Use pragmatic picks only when you accept you're combining different meta-theories.
