Which sequence correctly lists Fitts and Posner's stages in order?

Which sequence correctly lists Fitts and Posner's stages in order?

• A. Cognitive, Associative, Autonomous
• B. Associative, Cognitive, Autonomous
• C. Autonomous, Cognitive, Associative
• D. Cognitive, Autonomous, Associative

Answer: (A)

The sequence tested shows how a motor skill develops from heavy thinking to automatic execution. In the cognitive stage, beginners rely on conscious thought, instructions, and frequent errors as they figure out the movement. As practice continues, they move into the associative stage, where coordination improves, timing gets smoother, and mistakes decrease. Finally, with substantial practice, the skill becomes automatic in the autonomous stage, allowing performance with little conscious effort and leaving attention available for strategy or other tasks. So, the correct order is Cognitive, then Associative, then Autonomous because it mirrors the natural shift from high cognitive demands to automatic control. The other sequences place stages in a less plausible progression, such as starting with an automatic performance or jumping between stages in a way that doesn’t reflect how skill learning typically unfolds.

The sequence tested shows how a motor skill develops from heavy thinking to automatic execution. In the cognitive stage, beginners rely on conscious thought, instructions, and frequent errors as they figure out the movement. As practice continues, they move into the associative stage, where coordination improves, timing gets smoother, and mistakes decrease. Finally, with substantial practice, the skill becomes automatic in the autonomous stage, allowing performance with little conscious effort and leaving attention available for strategy or other tasks.

So, the correct order is Cognitive, then Associative, then Autonomous because it mirrors the natural shift from high cognitive demands to automatic control. The other sequences place stages in a less plausible progression, such as starting with an automatic performance or jumping between stages in a way that doesn’t reflect how skill learning typically unfolds.