Jürgen R. Nitsch
Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne
Citation
R. Nitsch, J. (2009). Ecological approaches to Sport Activity: A commentary from an action-theoretical point of view. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 40(1), 152-176.
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to comment on four ecological approaches to sport activity which are based on the conceptions of Urie Bronfenbrenner, Roger G. Barker, Egon Brunswik and James J. Gibson. Their consensual general message is that to sufficiently explain, predict and improve some behaviour it is necessary to study the objective properties of the environmental context in which this behaviour takes place. Concerning their peculiarities, it is shown that each of these approaches provides particular contributions to an extended theoretical understanding of sport activity. However, the most profit will be gained when focusing on their complementarities within an integrative frame of reference. In this sense, a promising perspective is provided by action theory. Action theory is designed as a systems approach to the person-environment interrelation, assuming that the human-specific core of this interrelation is the intentional organisation of behaviour within a meaningful situational context, i.e., action. It is shown that this perspective is capable to embody and interconnect central aspects of different ecological approaches according to their particular significance within the dynamics of situated action. The main focus, however, is on further differentiation of the organisation of action with regard to a comprehensive understanding of the psychological nature of the person-environment interrelation. The essentials of this conception are briefly outlined with special reference to the structure of action situations and the functional architecture of actions.
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