James Gibson's Attract Theory

Prior to James Gibson’s abstract theory, scientists and other psychologists first theorized that perception began with faulty input as perception was considered the fixing component or the intermediary step regarding input. Scientists believed in a traditional view, known as indirect perception, in which perception would not only fix the input, but it would also add meaningful interpretations to the input. Once the input was altered, the brain would then make an inference regarding what caused the input. Therefore, according to the traditional theory, the brain would fill in the gaps regarding faulty perception to provide a shadow image of the input. Contrary to other theories, Gibson incorporated both the environment and behavior as important

As movements occur, various features in which we perceive change. Contrary, there are other features that do not change. Therefore, decision-making regarding how to navigate through an environment is an important concept as movement facilitates perception and perception guides movement. Gibson was interested in optic flow, or the pattern of light generated by an environment, as the goal of optic flow was to discover reliable patterns relevant to activity. He mentions that light interacts with surface properties of objects therefore, as individuals move, reflecting surfaces generate optic flow of light which is structured by the variety of clutter individuals encounter. Not only is visual information conveyed by changes within optical flow, but environmental information is necessary to make decisions regarding movement. Therefore, Gibson theorizes that perception is direct and that humans, as well as animals, must be aware of their environmental surroundings as it is important to attune to the appropriate information that guides

Additionally, I found it interesting that indirect perception uses stored representations to make sense of sensory information. However, indirect perception seems as if the idea separates the brain and body from the environment which is not the case. Cognition is important in respect to both the body and environment regarding decision making as cognitive activity cannot be interpreted without reference to the environment. Therefore, I found it interesting how indirect perception disregards information from the environment. As humans, as well as animals, it is important to attune to information from the surrounding environment as decision making requires the information to enhance overall movement and performance. For example, visual, haptic, sensory, and auditory information all influence movement therefore I question the idea that some individuals believe that the environment does not provide useful information to guide