Perception Action Cycle
Module Overview
In this module, the concepts of the perception and action cycle (PAC) are discussed. This module aims to situate the notions of perception and cognition within a broad conceptual grounding. The fact that organisms exist within an environment in which they must adapt in order to survive and thrive is the main focus that enables a discussion of some of the implications that follow from this fact.
Introduction
Many students have an intuitive knowledge of environmental properties that govern the biological evolution of PAC systems. Recruiting this general understanding, first, a description of the Perception and Action Cycle will be fleshed out with some illustrative examples and representations. Second, the perception and action cycle will be discussed in reference to some particular organisms with the intent of showing how PAC systems can be thought of in terms of their relative complexity and adaptability. Finally, the near inseparable relationship between perception and action will be emphasized to drive home the point that the ultimate purpose of perception is for an organism’s adaptive behavior.
This module consists of a sequence of 2 videos and self-guided homework assignments. It is expected that the course instructor will supplement the module with additional questions and discussions and/or exercises.
Prerequisites
Before starting this module, it will be helpful to be familiar with:
- Basic ideas about an organism’s environment that is composed of dynamic change and variation,
- Mainstream concepts of evolutionary biology.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, one should be able to:
- Remember that PAC systems are adapted to maintain conditions necessary for an organism’s survival and prosperity in a dynamically changing environment,
- Understand how a PAC system can maintain survival conditions in a changing environment through appropriate responses to dynamic changes
Related Project Resources
| Type | Title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image | Perception-Action Cycle - page 1 (PNG, 3.15 MB) | Tom Pokinko | CC BY |
| Image | Perception-Action Cycle - page 2 (PNG, 2.2 MB) | Tom Pokinko | CC BY |
| Image | Perception-Action Cycle - page 3 (PNG, 1.6 MB) | Tom Pokinko | CC BY |
| Image | Perception-Action Cycle - page 4 (PNG, 3.5 MB) | Tom Pokinko | CC BY |
| Image | Perception-Action Cycle - page 5 (PNG, 2.8 MB) | Tom Pokinko | CC BY |
| Image | Perception-Action Cycle - page 6 (PNG, 3 MB) | Tom Pokinko | CC BY |
| Image | Perception-Action Cycle - page 7 (PNG, 1.92 MB) | Tom Pokinko | CC BY |
| File | Perception Action Cycle - Instructor Presentation (PDF, 8.4 MB) | Dr. Peter Coppin | This file could be used by an instructor in the classroom to present this material. |
| File | Perception Action Cycle (Notes Pages) (PDF, 1.41 MB) | Dr. Peter Coppin | This file could be shared with students for taking notes while participating in the module. |
