Skill Acquisition Theory

Skill Acquisition Theory describes how people learn and develop new skills over time through different stages. Initially, learners consciously focus on understanding what to do, often making mistakes. As they practice, skills become more automatic, requiring less conscious effort—this is called automaticity. The theory highlights the importance of practice and experience in progressing from beginner to expert, emphasizing that skill development involves a measurable transition from effortful learning to automatic performance, leading to increased efficiency and competence in a given task.