Fitts and Posner's stages of learning

Overview

The cognitive, associative and autonomous stages, information overload, motor programmes, why the associative stage is longest, error detection by autonomous performers, and how guidance and practice change through the stages.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Name the three stages of learning identified by Fitts and Posner.

   Model answer

   Fitts and Posner (1967) described the cognitive, associative and autonomous stages. Learners pass through the stages in that order.

2. 2

   What are the characteristics of the cognitive stage of learning?

   Model answer

   The learner is trying to understand what the skill requires and forms a mental picture of it. Performance is jerky and inconsistent, with many errors.

3. 3

   Why is a beginner in the cognitive stage easily overloaded with information?

   Model answer

   A beginner has no motor programme yet, so every movement demands conscious attention. Little attention is left for anything else in the environment.

4. 4

   Why can a learner in the cognitive stage not yet rely on the feel of a movement?

   Model answer

   The learner has not yet developed a kinaesthetic sense of correct movement. Errors often go unnoticed unless someone else points them out.

5. 5

   Describe a novice tennis player in the cognitive stage.

   Model answer

   The novice often misses the ball and swings with a jerky, poorly timed action. The player thinks hard about grip and footwork on every shot.

6. 6

   What are the characteristics of the associative stage of learning?

   Model answer

   The learner practises the skill and compares performance with a model. Movements become smoother and more consistent, with fewer errors.

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