The Learning Curve The four stages of competence, commonly known as the learning curve, is based on the premise that before learning begins, learners are unaware of what or how much they know (unconscious incompetence). This is known as the Dunning/Kruger Effect. As they learn they move through four psychological states until they reach the highest level of learning unconscious competence or synthesis, this means you know the material so well you can synthesise it into your own style. The Learni