The Organization of Perception and Action: A Theory for Language and Other Cognitive Skills

by Donald G. MacKay

Do perception and action share some of the same cognitive structures? What is the relationship between cognitive processes for sequencing, timing, and error detection in perception and action? Such issues form the basis for this fresh and absorbing study of the perception and production of language and other cognitive skills such as chess and piano playing. The Organization of Perception and Action provides a coherent and innovative synthesis of available data, challenges classical theories, and offers new insights into relations between language, thought, and action. Its broad, interdisciplinary approach and wealth of detailed examples extend from the motor control of typing to the role of attention in perception and action and the flexibility of conscious vs. unconscious processes. Not only researchers, but anyone with a general interest in the cognitive and brain sciences will find in this book new and interesting insights into topics long considered fundamental to psychology and related disciplines.

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1987