

The Perception & Action Podcast
Rob Gray
Exploration of how psychological research can be applied to improving performance, accelerating skill acquisition and designing new technologies in sports and other high performance domains. Hosted by Rob Gray, professor of Human Systems Engineering at Arizona State University, the podcast will review basic concepts and discuss the latest research in these areas.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 15min
544 – My Next Book – The Advanced Ecological Approach to Skill Development: Getting More Out of the CLA
The speaker dives into their upcoming book focused on skill development, blending theory with practice. They share insights from a recent conference and a collaborative project centered on American football skills. Emphasizing the education of intention in coaching, the discussion unveils innovative methods for tracking athlete progress and preventing injuries. Adaptability and reflection in coaching techniques take center stage, promising a fresh perspective on nurturing skill development.

16 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 14min
543 – Why Do We Lose Calibration of Perceptual-Motor Skill so Quickly and What Can We Do About It?
Discover why we quickly lose calibration in perceptual-motor skills when not practicing. The discussion highlights the necessity of warm-ups for athletes to regain their edge, drawing on fascinating studies from basketball and darts. It also explores the intricate relationship between motor skill calibration and neural networks, emphasizing the importance of targeted practice. Tune in to learn how to maintain those essential skills and navigate the challenges of varying learning rates!

15 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 14min
542 – Training to Maintain, Skill Retention & Decay
Discover how quickly skills can decay without practice and what factors influence this process. Explore the best strategies to maintain and improve skill retention, especially for elite athletes. Learn about the various levels of complexity associated with skills and how they impact performance. The discussion draws on the latest research to reveal insights that can help anyone looking to enhance their practice routines.

12 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 20min
541 – Task Simplification, Simplexity & Further Evidence Against the Need for Fundamentals
Delve into the intriguing concept of simplexity and how it enhances task simplification in skill development. Discover how simplified constraints can boost learning for complex movements, debunking traditional prescriptive methods. A critical look at badminton training highlights the importance of dynamic interactions with opponents over rigid techniques. This engaging discussion challenges conventional wisdom in skill acquisition, advocating for innovative approaches to motor learning.

Jun 24, 2025 • 15min
540 – How Does Variability of Practice Influence Search?
How does search in task and joint space (for an interception task) differ in blocked and random practice conditions? Articles:Random and Blocked Practice Schedule Affect Search for New Movement Coordination Patterns Differently My Research Gate Page (pdfs of my articles) My ASU Web page Podcast Facebook page (videos, pics, etc) Subscribe in iOS/Apple Subscribe in Anroid/Google Support the podcast and receive bonus content Credits: The Flamin' Groovies – Shake\Some Action Mark Lanegan - Saint Louis Elegy via freemusicarchive.org and jamendo.com

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 20min
539 – Turvey, Lectures on Perception: An Ecological Perspective, Chapters 11 and 12 (JC51)
On another edition of the Perception-Action journal club, I am joined by Andrew Wilson and Marianne Davies to discuss chapters 11 and 12 from Michael Turvey’s book “Lectures on Perception: An Ecological Perspective” Links:https://www.amazon.com/Lectures-Perception-Perspective-Michael-Turvey/dp/1138335266 http://perceptionaction.com/ My Research Gate Page (pdfs of my articles) My ASU Web page Podcast Facebook page (videos, pics, etc) Subscribe in iOS/Apple Subscribe in Anroid/Google Support the podcast and receive bonus content Credits: The Flamin' Groovies – Shake\Some Action Mark Lanegan - Saint Louis Elegy via freemusicarchive.org and jamendo.com

10 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
538 – Turvey, Lectures on Perception: An Ecological Perspective, Chapters 9 and 10 (JC49)
Joined by Andrew Wilson, an expert in perception and action, the discussion dives into Michael Turvey's groundbreaking ideas on spatial perception. They explore key concepts like 'local sign' and the influence of helmet and Gibson's theories. The conversation challenges traditional views on sensation, emphasizing the ecological context of perception. They also discuss how evolving geometrical frameworks shape our understanding of space and perception, making connections to philosophical insights and the complexities of eye movement research.

5 snips
May 6, 2025 • 18min
537 – Representative Design & Sampling from the Competitive Environment
Discover how defensive presence impacts basketball shooting performance. The conversation dives into the difference between practicing unopposed versus in a competitive setting. They explore the nuances of 1 vs 1 matches and whether they adequately reflect game scenarios. A key study sheds light on how simulating distraction and competition can enhance accuracy and skills. Tune in to learn how training strategies can be adapted for better results on the court!

25 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 52min
536 – The value of opposed and unopposed practice, Tom Parry
In this discussion, Tom Parry, a program director at Butler University specializing in kinesiology, explores the critical differences between opposed and unopposed practice for skill development in sports. He emphasizes innovative coaching methods that integrate academic research with practical application. The conversation also highlights the importance of fostering athlete engagement and decision-making, encouraging a shift away from traditional techniques to more contextual and interactive training approaches that genuinely resonate with young athletes.

15 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 25min
535 – Individual Differences in the Benefits of Linear and Non-Linear Pedagogy Approach to Skill Training
Does “it depend” when choosing between using a nonlinear vs linear pedagogy approach to coaching? Do some learners benefit from a prescriptive, linear approach? A look at the potential mediating role of adaptability. Article:The influence of linear and nonlinear pedagogy on motor skill performance: the moderating role of adaptability http://perceptionaction.com/ My Research Gate Page (pdfs of my articles) My ASU Web page Podcast Facebook page (videos, pics, etc) Subscribe in iOS/Apple Subscribe in Anroid/Google Support the podcast and receive bonus content Credits: The Flamin' Groovies – Shake\Some Action Mark Lanegan - Saint Louis Elegy via freemusicarchive.org and jamendo.com