During which stage of motor learning does a participant primarily benefit from external feedback?

The cognitive stage of motor learning is characterized by learners acquiring basic movement patterns and understanding how to perform a skill. During this initial stage, individuals are often unfamiliar with the task, necessitating a significant amount of guidance and feedback. External feedback plays a critical role here as it helps learners correct errors, understand the mechanics of the movement, and build confidence.

As they navigate through the cognitive stage, participants benefit from external input that clarifies what they are doing right or wrong. This feedback enhances their ability to refine their technique and facilitates better understanding of the task at hand. In contrast, the other stages of motor learning—associative, autonomous, and reflective—see individuals relying more on internal feedback and intrinsic cues as they gain experience and proficiency with the skill.