What are the stages of learning motor skills?

The stages of learning motor skills are primarily defined as cognitive, associative, and autonomous stages.

In the cognitive stage, individuals are introduced to the motor skill and focus on understanding the task; they try to figure out what the movement involves and how to perform it correctly. It is characterized by a lot of thinking and conscious effort as new learners strive to understand the requirements of the skill.

In the associative stage, learners begin to refine their skills and make connections between their movements and the desired outcomes. They practice the movements, receive feedback, and start to make fewer errors. This stage is marked by improved consistency and efficiency in performing the motor skill.

Finally, in the autonomous stage, the skill becomes automatic or habitual. Learners can perform the skill without conscious thought, allowing them to focus on other aspects of the task or surrounding environment. This stage is characterized by a high level of proficiency and the ability to perform the skill in varied situations or while multitasking.

The other options, while they may describe aspects of skill acquisition, do not accurately encapsulate the traditional stages recognized in motor learning theory. Planning, executing, and evaluating stages refer more to the overall process of skill execution rather than specific learning stages. The introductory, intermediate, and advanced stages