According to Gibson, what is essential for the perception-action cycle?

The assertion that perception and movement are mutually dependent aligns with Gibson's ecological approach to perception, which posits that understanding how we perceive our environment is deeply interconnected with our ability to act within that environment. Gibson emphasized that perception is not merely a passive process; instead, it actively informs our movements and interactions with the world around us.

In his view, perception provides crucial information that guides action, and simultaneously, movement facilitates a richer perception of the environment. For instance, when you reach for an object, the act of moving alters your perspective and allows you to gather more information about the object's size, shape, and distance. This dynamic interplay between perceiving and acting is fundamental to navigating and understanding the environment effectively.

This concept challenges views that suggest a more linear relationship between perception and action, where one is thought to be solely responsible for the other. Instead, Gibson's work highlights that both processes are essential and shape each other throughout the perception-action cycle.