The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception
The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception, developed by James J. Gibson, emphasizes the relationship between organisms and their environment. It suggests that perception is not just about processing sensory information but involves understanding the context in which objects exist. This approach focuses on how visual information is directly linked to the actions and interactions of an organism within its surroundings.
According to this theory, perception is shaped by the affordances of objects, which are the opportunities for action they provide. For example, a chair affords sitting, while a tree affords climbing. This perspective highlights the importance of the environment in shaping how we perceive and interact with the world around us.