Which stage of learning is associated with the performer developing skills to the point of automatic execution?

The stage associated with the performer developing skills to the point of automatic execution is the autonomous stage. During this stage, athletes or individuals performing the skill have practiced extensively, allowing them to execute moves with little conscious thought. This results in high levels of efficiency and accuracy, as the movements become second nature.

At the autonomous stage, a performer can focus on other tactical aspects of their performance, such as strategy or game play, rather than concentrating on the individual movements required to execute a skill. This automatic execution means that the performer can also respond more effectively to changes in the environment or context in which they are performing.

In contrast, the cognitive stage is where individuals are learning the basics of a skill and making many errors, focusing on understanding what the skill involves. The associative stage follows as the performer begins to refine their skills and reduce errors, but they are not yet operating at the level of automaticity. Diminishing returns refers to a concept in learning and performance where the benefits of practice decrease over time, which does not specifically relate to the stages of skill acquisition as outlined here.