Overview:
The theory of information
pickup suggests that perception depends entirely upon information in
the "stimulus array" rather than sensations that are influenced by cognition. Gibson proposes
that the environment consists of affordances (such terrain, water, vegetation, etc.) which
provide the clues necessary for perception. Furthermore, the ambient array includes invariants
such as shadows, texture, color, convergence, symmetry and layout that determine what is
perceived. According to Gibson, perception is a direct consequence of the properties of the
environment and does not involve any form of sensory processing.
Information pickup
theory stresses that perception requires an active organism. The act of
perception depends upon an interaction between the organism and the environment. All
perceptions are made in reference to body position and functions (proprioception). Awareness
of the environment derives from how it reacts to our movements.
Information pickup
theory opposes most traditional theories of cognition that assume past
experience plays a dominant role in perceiving. It is based upon Gestalt theories
that emphasize
the significance of stimulus organization and relationships.
Scope/Application:
Information pickup
theory is intended as a general theory of perception, although it has been
developed most completely for the visual system. Gibson (1979) discusses the implications of
the theory for still and motion picture research. Neisser (1976) presents a theory of cognition
that is strongly influenced by Gibson.
Example:
Much of Gibson's
ideas about perception were developed and applied in the context of
aviation training during WWII. The critical concept is that pilots orient themselves according to
characteristics of the ground surface rather than through vestibular/kinesthetic senses. In other
words, it is the invariants of terrain and sky that determine perception while flying, not sensory
processing per se. Therefore, training sequences and materials for pilots should always include
this kind of information.
Principles:
1. To facilitate
perception, realistic environmental settings should be used in instructional
materials.
2. Since perception
is an active process, the individual should have an unconstrained learning
environment.
3. Instruction
should emphasize the stimulus characteristics that provide perceptual cues.
Course Resources:
Course Themes:
1. Tools
