

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

Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 12min
551 – Turvey, Lectures on Perception: An Ecological Perspective, Chapters 15 and 16 (JC53)
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!

26 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 27min
550 – Books, books, and more books. Webinars, workshops, and responses to YouTube comments!
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!

Sep 16, 2025 • 43min
549 – Enhancing Skill in American Football, Shawn Myszka
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.

21 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 14min
548 – Focus of Attention, the Structure of Variability & Placebo Effects
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.

12 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 14min
547 – How Effective are Coaches at Designing and Adapting Practice in the CLA?
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.

11 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 18min
546 – How Do Nonlinear & Linear Training Influence the Quantity and Quality of Search for a Movement Solution
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.

16 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 9min
545 – Turvey, Lectures on Perception: An Ecological Perspective, Chapters 13 and 14 (JC52)
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.

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!

17 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.