The Perception & Action Podcast

Join cognitive scientist Andrew Wilson, who dives deep into perception and ecological theory, and researcher Marianne Davies, who connects these ideas to coaching and robotics. They explore why categorization often fails in understanding action and how optic flow offers better navigation cues than object recognition. The discussion reveals the limitations of symbolic AI, emphasizing embodied robotics. Furthermore, they challenge traditional views of language in perception, advocating for direct perception as a more viable approach.

Andrew Wilson, a researcher in ecological psychology, and Marianne Davies, a keen critic of perception theories, delve into Turvey's unconventional perspective on Gestalt theory. They discuss the nuances of stimulus ambiguity and critique the tendency to ascribe perceptual order to neural processes rather than environmental information. The conversation explores the implications of Gibson's ideas on action and control, contrasts affordances with categorization, and examines the limitations of computational theories in understanding perception. A thought-provoking dissection of perception theory awaits!

Celebrate a major milestone with fascinating discussions on three new insightful books focused on skill development in sports like football and tennis. Discover the ins and outs of organizing engaging webinars and workshops, including one for police training. Rob tackles listener comments with humor, diving into topics such as ecological approaches to coaching and cultural persistence in sports techniques. Expect a mix of education, interaction, and light-hearted banter, keeping the conversation lively!

Shawn Myszka, a key figure at Emergence and co-author of "Enhancing Skill in American Football," shares insights on revolutionizing football training. He discusses the resistance to change within the sport, contrasting it with more adaptable games like basketball. Myszka emphasizes the benefits of ecological dynamics, advocating for practice designs that boost player autonomy and problem-solving skills. He highlights the importance of adapting coaching methods and fostering environments that enhance skill transfer to game day, ultimately redefining skill acquisition in football.

Discover how the focus of attention can shape both positive and negative movement variability in performance. Uncover intriguing studies on one-footed hopping and the subtle influences focus instructions have during placebo treatments. The podcast reveals how shifting attention can alter not just physical outcomes but also the perception of effects like placebo, leading to unexpected insights about human behavior and performance.

The podcast dives into the effectiveness of coaches in designing practices using a constraints-led approach. It compares the impact of verbal versus physical task constraints on player performance. Insights are shared on how coaches adapt their strategies based on game dynamics and individual player needs. The discussion highlights the critical role coach intervention plays in enhancing the technical and tactical skills of young soccer players.

The podcast delves into the contrasts between nonlinear and linear training methods in movement solutions. It raises intriguing questions about whether linear approaches limit functional movement variability. Listeners explore the adaptability and exploration offered by nonlinear training. Research findings regarding the effectiveness of various approaches in weightlifting are also discussed. The conversation pushes boundaries on traditional training norms and invites listeners to reconsider how they develop movement skills.

Join Andrew Wilson, an expert in ecological dynamics, and Marianne Davies, who specializes in skill acquisition, as they delve into Michael Turvey's insights on perception. They discuss the criticisms of structuralism and behaviorism, emphasizing the role of environmental interactions. The conversation touches on the dynamic nature of perception in light of neuroscience and the revolutionary concept of fields in modern physics. They also explore how constraints in dynamical systems can both restrict and enable behavior, offering valuable implications for coaching and task design.

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.

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!