Ecological approach (James J. Gibson)

The ecological approach, developed by James J. Gibson, emphasizes that perception is a direct process where we interpret the environment through actively exploring it, rather than relying solely on internal mental processes. Gibson introduced the concept of "affordances," meaning the opportunities for action that the environment offers, such as a chair "affording" sitting. This approach suggests we perceive the world in terms of its actual properties and potential uses, enabling us to interact effectively with our surroundings without needing complex mental processing. It highlights the dynamic, real-time relationship between organisms and their environment.