What are the three stages of learning a motor skill?

The three stages of learning a motor skill are indeed cognitive, associative, and autonomous.

In the cognitive stage, the learner is introduced to the new motor skill and begins to understand the basics of what needs to be done. This stage involves a lot of trial and error, as the individual tries to comprehend the fundamental movements and strategies involved in performing the skill. Feedback is essential during this stage to help guide the learner.

The associative stage is when the learner starts to refine their skills. They have a better understanding of the motor activity and can identify errors more readily. Practice becomes more focused, and learners begin to develop consistency in their performance. This stage often involves honing technique and making adjustments to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Finally, the autonomous stage is when the skill has been practiced extensively, and the individual can perform it with little conscious thought. The motor skill becomes automatic, allowing the performer to focus on other aspects of the task or environment. This level of proficiency requires substantial practice and experience, leading to a high degree of performance quality and reliability.

This framework emphasizes the process of acquiring motor skills, illustrating how individuals move from understanding to proficiency through various phases.