Questions: In the early stages of skill acquisition, a learner freezes the degrees of freedom releases the degrees of freedom develops the degrees of freedom increases the degrees of freedom

The answer is: freezes the degrees of freedom.

Explanation for each option:

1. Freezes the degrees of freedom: This is the correct answer. In the early stages of skill acquisition, learners often "freeze" the degrees of freedom to simplify the task. This means they limit the number of movements or joints involved in the activity to make it easier to control and learn the basic mechanics of the skill.

2. Releases the degrees of freedom: This is incorrect in the context of early skill acquisition. Releasing the degrees of freedom typically occurs in later stages of learning when the learner becomes more proficient and starts to incorporate more complex and fluid movements.

3. Develops the degrees of freedom: This is not a standard term used in the context of motor learning and skill acquisition. It does not accurately describe the process that occurs in the early stages of learning a new skill.

4. Increases the degrees of freedom: This is incorrect for the early stages of skill acquisition. Increasing the degrees of freedom is more characteristic of advanced stages of learning, where the learner can handle more complex and coordinated movements.

In summary, during the early stages of skill acquisition, learners tend to "freeze the degrees of freedom" to reduce complexity and focus on mastering the basic elements of the skill.