Introduction to Ecological Psychology

Julia J. C. Blau is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, USA. Her research focuses on the fractality of event perception, as well as the Ecological approach to film theory and aesthetics. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Society for Ecological Psychology.Jeffrey B. Wagman is a Professor of Psychology at Illinois State University, USA. His research focuses on perception of affordances and perception by touch. He is a recipient of the Illinois State University Outstanding University Researcher Award and a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Invitation Fellowship for Research in Japan. He is an Associate Editor of the journal Ecological Psychology.

• ContentsList of Illustrations Foreword: Resources for Ecological PsychologyAcknowledgementsForeword: Introduction to Ecological Psychology, by Claudia CarelloPart One. Introduction to TheoryChapter 1. Starting the ConversationChapter 2. Where We Went WrongChapter 3. Starting OverChapter 4. What is Ecological Theory?Part Two. Reconceptualizing Old Problems in an Ecological WayChapter 5. Affordances—What is Perceived?Chapter 6. Ecological Optics and Visual Perception—Getting Light Into MuscleChapter 7. Ecological Acoustics and Auditory Perception—Getting Sound Into MuscleChapter 8. Ecological Haptics and Perception by Touch—Muscles as the MediumChapter 9. Action and CoordinationChapter 10. Development of Perceiving and Acting AbilitiesChapter 11. Perceiving and Acting With Others: An Ecological Social PsychologyChapter 12. Thinking, Learning, and RememberingChapter 13. Applications of Ecological PsychologyPart Three. Zooming OutChapter 14. Dynamical SystemsChapter 15. EvolutionChapter 16. Self-OrganizationChapter 17. Intelligent LifeReferencesIndex

"This book is a valuable contribution to the ever-growing literature inspired by James Gibson’s ecological approach to psychology. It systematically introduces newcomers to this approach by clearly examining many of its principal features, pertinent related theory, and notable research across a wide range of topics, all the while guiding readers with the assistance of an array of imaginary characters (most named after ecological psychologists) and buoyed throughout by the authors’ deft illustrations and wry humor. But don’t be fooled by its title: the book is more than an introduction. Even those readers with a prior background in this approach to psychological inquiry will learn much from this book as they are treated to a first-rate, if selective, overview of research and theory in ecological psychology as it has developed over recent decades." – Harry Heft, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Denison University "Finally - a thorough and approachable introduction to contemporary ecological theory. This book provides a much-needed alternative to mainstream psychological theory, a discipline wherein a vast majority of experts are unaware that an alternative approach is possible or why one is so badly needed. The book is suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses in perception, cognitive science, motor control, and human factors. Nevertheless, even seasoned researchers will find new insights in both the philosophical background and the broader context provided by the various topics covered." – Christopher Pagano, Professor of Psychology, Clemson University"It is well-written, witty, and explains central concepts from the ecological approach in an accessible and straightforward manner. I am sure the book will be a great source of inspiration to new students from a wide range of fields who will wish to contribute to building the ecological approach to perception and action." – Audrey van der Meer, Professor of Developmental Neuropsychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim