How can an instructor assess if learners have reached the automatic response stage?

The correct answer focuses on evaluating the speed and smoothness of performance, which are key indicators of whether learners have reached the automatic response stage. In this stage, learners are expected to execute tasks with a high degree of fluency and efficiency, demonstrating that they have internalized the skills and knowledge required. This automaticity allows them to respond quickly and accurately without needing to consciously think through each step of the process.

Instructors can observe that as learners practice and progress, their performance speeds up, and the execution of tasks becomes more fluid. This contrast with earlier stages of learning, where individuals may struggle and require more time to think through problems, is essential for understanding if they have moved beyond the cognitive or intermediate stages into the automatic stage.

Other options, such as observing lengthy problem-solving processes, would typically indicate that learners are still grappling with the concepts and have not yet reached the point where they can perform tasks automatically. Similarly, frequent testing of theoretical knowledge or analyzing initial learning efforts does not directly assess speed and smoothness, which are critical for confirming automatic responses in the learning process.