Which stage of skill acquisition is characterized by learners being able to perform a procedure rapidly and smoothly?

The automatic response stage is characterized by learners being able to perform a procedure rapidly and smoothly. At this stage, the skills have been sufficiently practiced and integrated, allowing for high levels of fluency and automaticity in performance. This means that the learner can execute the skill without conscious thought, making it appear effortless and fluid. This contrasts with earlier stages of learning where performance may be slower and require more focus and mental effort.

In the cognitive stage, learners are typically trying to understand the fundamentals of a skill, which involves heavy cognitive load and may lead to slower, more tentative performances. The associative stage marks a transition where improvements in performance occur as practice continues, but it is still marked by some level of conscious effort in executing the skill. The reflexive stage, while indicating automatic responses, is often associated with innate or highly practiced movements rather than learned skills, making it less relevant in this context. Thus, the distinction of automaticity and fluid performance in the automatic response stage makes it the correct choice.