The edited book series Studies in Perception and Action contains a collection of research presented at the International Conference on Perception and Action (ICPA). The Studies series has appeared in conjunction with the biennial ICPA since 1991. ICPA provides a forum for presenting new data, theory, and methodological developments relevant to the ecological approach to perceptionaction. This volume is the 9th in the Studies in Perception and Action series, and it contains research presented at the 14th ICPA meeting in the summer of 2007. The sixty papers presented in this volume represent the latest developments in ecological psychology research from four continents. In many instances, the contributions to Studies volumes reflect the first appearance of new ideas in a scientific venue. As a result, the Studies volumes contain the most recent and cutting edge research in perception and action. This volume will appeal to individuals who follow the research literature in ecological psychology, as well as those interested in perception, perceptual development, human movement dynamics, and social processes.

Since 1991, the edited book series Studies in Perception and Action has appeared in conjunction with the biennial International Conference of Perception and Action (ICPA), a conference that provides an opportunity for individuals who share interests in ecological psychology to come together to present current research, exchange ideas, and engage in conversation on theoretical and methodological concerns. The Studies in Perception and Action series is a way to preserve the dialogues between conference attendees and researchers displaying their latest work. This volume, the eighth in the series, presents the conversations held at the 13th ICPA meeting in the summer of 2005.
 
"Studies in Perception and Action VIII "includes broad coverage of the most current advances in research on perceiving and acting, including contributions from researchers in Australia, China, Japan, Europe, and North America. It addresses cutting-edge research in dynamics and human movement, recent progress in ecological approaches to perceiving and acting, and substantially extends our knowledge of just how rich a source of information the world is across a wide range of modalities.
 
This volume will appeal to individuals who follow the research literature in ecological psychology, as well as those interested in perception, perceptual development, human movement dynamics, and social processes.

On the morning after Christmas, Toby's family begins the day like any other holiday. All of a sudden everything changes when someone phones to tell them that Toby's aunt has died in a car accident. They pack up and drive to his grandparents' house in the country where all the family are gathered. After the ceremony at the funeral home, everyone goes to the family home. Toby notices that although everyone is very sad, they are also able to smile, chat and even sing. He wonders why people can be both happy and sad. He also wants to know what happens when a person dies. This story brings out all the questions a curious child might ask when someone dies in a family.

Maddie dreams she is having breakfast by the pool, a tropical breeze ruffling the palm trees as her limo warms up in the garage?until her baby sister's screams wake her up, and she goes downstairs to find her brothers fighting over dry toast.

Maddie's aim is to have her own life, new friends, and new experiences. In this story, Maddie finds herself looking up to an older kid -- a really cool guy -- hoping to get into his gang. Her troubles begin when she creates a cover-up for her after-school activities.

Toni Biscotti is shy, really shy. So why has she signed up to perform at the school concert? Is it because of Marco Bonneau? And what's so special about him?

Maddie has quite a problem. Her whole family, her dad, her mum, her brothers, and the baby are getting on her nerves. What to do? Maddie decides she'll run away from home ... but what do you do when it's six o'clock and it's time for supper?

Patrick wants to be the leader of Maddie's gang. What can Maddie do? Fight? Have an election? Or what about a shoplifting contest? Here's a story that explores the real meaning of courage.