The Perception & Action Podcast

Join researchers Andrew Wilson and Marianne Davies as they dive into ecological psychology and perception. Wilson critiques human exceptionalism in understanding animal behavior, while Davies discusses the nuances of habitat versus niche. They explore thermodynamics as a driver of life and agency, challenging traditional physics with ecological insights. The duo also tackles perceptual illusions and the complexities of reflected light, advocating for a deeper understanding of organism-environment interactions. Their discussion promises a radical shift in how we perceive perception!

In this engaging discussion, Bertrand Théraulaz, a researcher and former volleyball coach, and Prashant Patel, an applied practitioner in cricket, explore the concept of Motor Signatures. They delve into how understanding athletes' natural movement preferences can enhance coaching methods. Topics include the integration of psychological insights with movement analysis, the impact of context on motor expression, and practical applications in sports like cricket. The duo also shares the importance of respecting individual profiles for improved performance and ethical coaching.

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.