The Perception & Action Podcast

Marianne Davies, a practitioner-researcher linking perception-action to sport and flow, and Andrew Wilson, an ecological perception researcher analyzing theory distinctions. They debate strong vs weak anticipation, how event structure and information guide action, connections to flow and animal behavior, deception and randomness in timing, and how affordances, coupling, and action shape anticipation.

A series kickoff that reframes thinking about problem solving, memory, intention and decision making from an ecological viewpoint. It contrasts classic brain-centered definitions with cognition as an emergent property of performer and environment. The host previews future deep dives into memory, decision-making, brain resonance and practical applications.

Join Andrew Wilson, a specialist in perception-action and ecological psychology, and Marianne Davies, a researcher focusing on perception-action topics, as they dive into compelling discussions on Turvey's ecological perspective. They explore the intricacies of affordances, their connection to intention, and the importance of lawful information for perception. Discover how optic flow influences action and the parallels between haptics and vision. The conversation also touches on the concept of dynamic touch, sensory integration, and the implications of educating attention versus intention.

Rob Gray shares insights on the future direction of his podcast as it moves toward 2026. He explains the reasoning behind slowing down production to maintain quality and enthusiasm. Upcoming journal clubs will delve into pivotal texts with sports relevance. A fascinating series on cognitive misconceptions in ecological dynamics is in the pipeline. He also discusses innovative approaches to scenario-based police training and previews future topics on decision-making and neuroscience, alongside upcoming webinars.

In this discussion, Andrew Wilson, a researcher in ecological psychology, and Marianne Davies dive into Michael Turvey's insights on perception. They explore the shift from Cartesian ontology to an organism-environment duality, emphasizing affordances as real properties of habitats. Key topics include how perception scales with an organism's body, the interplay of affordances and effectivities, and the ecological optics that challenge traditional views of perception. Their vibrant exchange reveals how understanding these concepts can reshape our perception and interaction with the world.

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!