Introduction to Ecological Psychology

by Julia J C Blau, Jeffrey B. Wagman

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.

340 pages, Paperback

Published July 29, 2022

Reviews

[Agential Arts Workshop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written, easy to follow, and pedagogically structured. While I think some of the concepts within the greater ecological perspective are difficult to summarize in everyday language, I was immediately able to approach and follow more difficult work within the ecological psychology wheelhouse after finishing this book.

While the book encourages jumping around from section to section, and maybe it’s a personal preference kind of thing, I suggest just reading the book as laid out in the sequential chapters. A lot of the stuff you encounter in later chapters is explained in plainer language and more in-depth earlier on.

[Joshua R. Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, lay person friendly

Very clear, lay person friendly overview of Ecological psychology. For sport coaches, this gives an easy to understand foundation that Rob Gray’s books and Perception and Action podcast can elaborate well on if you are looking to implement this approach in your sport.

[Kirsty]

Read as part of psychology master, user friendly easy read.