The Department of Psychology and the Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences (CBS) Colloquium Series will present a talk titled “The Theory of Perception-Action for All Organisms: What Kind of Science Does It Entail?” with Michael T. Turvey, Ph.D. on Thursday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m. in the Old Main Room of the Bone Student Center.

Turvey is a Board of Trustees’ Distinguished Professor, emeritus at the Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut.

Abstract

Perception-action tasks such as catching a ball or driving a car are sometimes described as highly cognitive, even computational, activities. Contrary to this approach, Turvey proposes that the key to understanding such abilities is developing a theory of perception-action that applies to all organisms, not just humans. Turvey’s talk will address the challenges of implementing such a theory given the lack of fit among the disciplines of psychology, biology and physics.

Science and Technology Week

This event is part of Science and Technology Week at Illinois State University, which will take place April 6-10, 2015. Science and Technology Week celebrates advancements in the field of science and technology, as well as the hardworking, dedicated students and professionals who make those advancements possible.

Download the printable PDF flyer.

Download the printable PDF flyer.

CBS Colloquium Series

The CBS Colloquium Series brings high caliber researchers to the Illinois State University campus to share their work with the local academic community. Individual faculty members invite speakers to campus based on their interests. The Department of Psychology also invites alumni to speak in the series in an effort to maintain strong connections with former students and provide them with a chance to pass on their knowledge to current students. The series provides both faculty and students with a variety of professional development opportunities and allows students to network with professionals in their field of study.

This speaker series is funded by the Department of Psychology, Department of Philosophy, School of Kinesiology and Recreation, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Applied Science and Technology, and the Sage Fund. To support the Department of Psychology and help enhance its educational mission with advanced teaching methods, guest speakers and more opportunities for students to learn through research experiences, please consider making a gift to the department through the Illinois State University Foundation.

If you need a special accommodation to participate in this program, call the Department of Psychology at (309) 439-8651. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.