What is a characteristic of the cognitive stage of motor skill learning?

In the cognitive stage of motor skill learning, individuals are typically characterized by a poor skill level. This stage is the initial phase where learners are just starting to understand and perform the new skill. They often rely heavily on instructions and feedback to guide their movements, and their performance is generally inconsistent.

During this stage, the focus is on understanding the mechanics of the skill, which may involve a lot of trial and error. As learners practice, they will experience frustration and challenges as they attempt to coordinate their actions and optimize their technique. It's important to note that this stage sets the foundation for further development. As they progress to subsequent stages, like the associative and autonomous stages, their skill level improves, along with confidence and independence in executing the movement.