What typically happens to tasks as they become more automatic through practice?

As tasks are practiced and become more automatic, they generally tend to become faster and require less conscious control. This phenomenon occurs because extensive practice leads to the development of efficient cognitive pathways and reduces the need for deliberate thought processes. When tasks are performed automatically, they rely more on well-established neural connections and less on the executive functions of the brain, which are responsible for higher-level decision-making and conscious control.

As a result, functions such as attention and active monitoring are minimized, allowing for quicker responses and a smoother execution of the task. This is evident in skills like typing or playing a musical instrument, where initial effortful practice transitions into seamless performance over time. The automaticity of tasks not only enhances speed but also frees up cognitive resources for other activities, allowing individuals to multitask more effectively.