The Coordination of Perception-Action Systems during Infancy: Whither Theory?

Formal mathematical reasoning provides an illuminating test case for understanding how humans can think about things that they did not evolve to comprehend. People engage in algebraic reasoning by (1) creating new assemblies of perception and action routines that evolved originally for other purposes (reuse), (2) adapting those routines to better fit the formal requirements of mathematics (adaptation), and (3) designing cultural tools that mesh well with our perception-action routines to create cognitive systems capable of mathematical reasoning (invention). We describe evidence that a major component of proficiency at algebraic reasoning is Rigged Up Perception-Action Systems (RUPAS), via which originally demanding, strategically controlled cognitive tasks are converted into learned, automatically executed perception and action routines. Informed by RUPAS, we have designed, implemented, and partially assessed a computer-based algebra tutoring system called Graspable Math with an aim toward training learners to develop perception-action routines that are intuitive, efficient, and mathematically valid.

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Multiple-Process Models for Perception-Action Systems

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e537272012-256 ◽

1994 ◽

Author(s):

James T. Townsend ◽

Thomas G. Fikes

Keyword(s):

Process Models ◽

Action Systems ◽

Multiple Process ◽

Perception Action

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Performance of Artificial Perception-Action Systems

Cognitive Technologies - Neural Preprocessing and Control of Reactive Walking Machines ◽

10.1007/978-3-540-68803-7_6 ◽

2007 ◽

pp. 113-145

Keyword(s):

Action Systems ◽

Perception Action

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Motor cognition: TMS studies of action generation

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198568926.013.0030 ◽

2012 ◽

Author(s):

Simone Schütz-Bosbach ◽

Patrick Haggard ◽

Luciano Fadiga ◽

Laila Craighero

Keyword(s):

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Cortical Excitability ◽

Motor Cognition ◽

Action Systems ◽

Motor Processes ◽

Cortical Motor ◽

Motor Excitability ◽

Perception Action ◽

Second Use

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to study motor configuration in three ways. TMS can be used to provide a controllable and physiologically specified input to the skeletomotor system. Second, use of TMS has been as an online probe of cortical motor excitability. Third, TMS can be used to interfere with cognitive-motor processes involved in action control. TMS allows the experimenter to selectively interfere with a specific brain process. TMS has proved a valuable tool for testing parallel models of perception–action linkage, because it can be used to measure cortical excitability. TMS has been used as both an excitability measure and a transient inactivation. TMS has allowed neuroscientists to activate or inactivate the brain's action systems artificially. This has provided key insights into normal motor function.

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