The Structure of Action and Interaction

Findings on the direct perception of action in the behavior stream are reviewed in light of Asch's (1952) hypothesis that actions are gestalten in the behavior stream. Five analyses of the surface structure of seven action sequences and four interactions are reported. Results confirm that the surface structure of behavior, both in actions and interactions, consists of wave-like structures, and that interaction consists of the maintenance of a constant phase relation between the behaviors of the participants.