What role does practice play in the development of procedural knowledge?

Practice plays a critical role in the development of procedural knowledge by automating the performance of skills and tasks. When individuals engage in repetitive practice of a skill, they move from a stage of conscious effort and control to a stage where the task becomes automatic. This transition often results in faster and more efficient performance, as the individual no longer needs to consciously think about every step involved in the task. For example, a pianist who practices scales will eventually play them effortlessly without consciously recalling each note.

Additionally, through continuous practice, individuals develop muscle memory and refine their execution of tasks, which decreases the cognitive load required for performance. This is significant in activities requiring fine motor skills, such as sports or musical instruments, and also in more complex tasks like driving or typing. Thus, the correct choice highlights the importance of practice in transforming the initial cognitive steps into fluid, automatic actions that characterize procedural knowledge.