Introduction to Ecological Psychology: A Lawful Approach to Perceiving, Acting, and Cognizing

Description

Introduction to Ecological Psychology is a highly accessible book that offers an overview of the fundamental theoretical foundations of Ecological Psychology. The authors, Julia J.C. Blau and Jeffrey B. Wagman, provide a broad coverage of the topic, including discussion of perception-action as well as development, cognition, social interaction, and application to real world problems. Concepts are presented in the book using a conversational writing style and everyday examples that introduce novice readers to the problems of perception and action and demonstrate the application of the ecological approach theories to broader philosophical questions. Blau and Wagman explain how ecological psychology might be pertinent to both classic and newer issues in psychology. The authors move beyond the traditional scope of the discipline to effectively illustrate concepts of dynamics, evolution, self-organization, and physical intelligence in ecological psychology. This book is an essential guide to the basics for students and professionals in ecological psychology, sensation and perception, cognition, and development. It is also indispensable reading for anyone interested in ecological and developmental studies. Cover Half Title Series Title Copyright Contents Preface: Resources for Ecological Psychology Acknowledgments Preface: Introduction to Ecological Psychology Part 1 Introduction to Theory 1 Starting the Conversation 2 Where We Went Wrong 3 Starting Over 4 What Is Ecological Theory? Part 2 Reconceptualizing Old Problems in an Ecological Way 5 Affordances—What Is Perceived 6 Ecological Optics and Visual Perception—Getting Light Into the Muscles 7 Ecological Acoustics and Auditory Perception—Getting Sound Into the Muscles 8 Ecological Haptics and Perception by Touch—Muscles as the Medium 9 Action and Coordination 10 Development of Perceiving and Acting Abilities 11 Perceiving and Acting With Others—an Ecological Social Psychology 12 Thinking, Learning, and Remembering 13 Applications of Ecological Psychology Part 3 Zooming Out 14 Dynamical Systems 15 Evolution 16 Self-Organization 17 Intelligent Life References Index