
The Perception & Action Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

83 snips
Oct 24, 2023 • 49min
468 – Representative Learning Design & The Ecological Approach to Transfer of Training
Exploring topics of transfer of training from an ecological perspective, specificity in learning and skill acquisition, the role of accurate and specific information in practice, the importance of consequences and pressure in training, comparing traditional drills to small side games in sports training, representative design and action capacity, and understanding representative learning design and skill transfer.

Oct 17, 2023 • 16min
467 – Advice on Applying Ecological Dynamics in Coaching
Explore the challenges coaches encounter when implementing ecological dynamics in their training designs. Discover the importance of experienced facilitators in fostering trust and open communication with athletes. Learn how theoretical frameworks can enhance coaching practices while addressing the hurdles of adopting adaptive, exploratory methods. This discussion dives deep into the intersection of theory and practice, offering valuable insights for coaches seeking to support a range of athletic needs.

13 snips
Oct 10, 2023 • 20min
466 – The Art & Science of Constraints-Based Coaching
This podcast explores the art and science behind constraints-based coaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding the logic and rationale behind this method. It discusses the integration of scientific and artistic aspects in coaching, the difference between being adapted and adaptable, and the concept of guided self-organization. The speakers highlight the importance of using specific constraints, an ecological approach, and fostering creativity and collaboration between coaches and athletes.

9 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 15min
465 – A Nonlinear Pedagogy Approach to Using Mental Imagery in Sports
Explore the use of mental imagery in sports and how it can be aligned with the ecological approach for self-organization and functional movement variability. Discover the application of nonlinear pedagogy principles in motor imagery practice to enhance adaptability and performance outcomes. Learn about the benefits of using mental imagery in sports training and the manipulation of training variables. Find out the results of a study comparing linear and nonlinear pedagogy approaches in sports training, suggesting the potential of individualized movement solutions. Compare the effectiveness of linear and nonlinear pedagogy approaches in using mental imagery for sports, highlighting the benefits of exploration.

4 snips
Sep 26, 2023 • 27min
464 – Preview of the 2023 Baseball Skill Acquisition Summit: Merging Physical Development & Baseball Skill
I get together with Randy Sullivan, Frans Bosch & Martijn Nijhoff to preview the 5th Annual Florida Baseball Armory Skill Acquisition Summit which will be held Oct 21-22, 2033. How can we merge physical development and baseball skills to best achieve transfer of training? Links: https://floridabaseballarmory.com/summit/ More information: 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

15 snips
Sep 19, 2023 • 29min
463 – Evidence Supporting the Ecological Approach to Skill Development
Explore the evidence and principles of the ecological approach to skill development in athletes. Challenge common beliefs and emphasize the importance of realistic and unpredictable conditions for effective skill development. Compare traditional pedagogy with constraints and differential learning, highlighting the benefits of self-organization. Discuss the value of swing variability in baseball and how the ecological approach can enhance performance through guided self-organization and clear feedback.

Sep 12, 2023 • 21min
462 - Movement as Problem Solving
How can we reconceptualize movement behavior in sports as solving alive problems? Articles:(Re)conceptualizing movement behavior in sport as a problem-solving activity More information: 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

Sep 5, 2023 • 24min
461 – Do Enhanced Expectations Help Us Under Pressure?
How does training under conditions of enhanced expectations for performance success influence us under pressure and dual-task conditions? Is it possible to explain these effects in the ecological approach? Articles:Enhanced expectancies benefit performance under distraction, but compromise it under stress: Exploring the OPTIMAL theory More information: 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

Aug 29, 2023 • 22min
460 – How Much Progress Have We Made in Skill Acquisition and Where Do We Need to Go?
This podcast challenges common practices in skill acquisition research and introduces a new framework called SAFE. It explores inconsistencies between coaching practice and research, emphasizes the importance of balancing long-term learning and short-term performance, discusses creating an appropriate environment for skill acquisition, and highlights the importance of collaboration and support in skill acquisition and coaching.

4 snips
Aug 22, 2023 • 20min
459 – An Applied Model for Using Variability in Practice
The podcast explores the topic of using variability in practice, discussing when and why it should be used. They emphasize the impact of variability on motor programming and learning, and propose a model for utilizing variability based on skill level and attention load. The speakers also raise concerns about representative design and suggest a more specific approach.