 Alexander's work has demonstrated that the lack knowledge and experience with the domain during this phase co occurs with limited individual interest—or, preexisting interest—in the domain; rather, situational interest, or, interest sparked by the environment, may be particularly influential.As a result of this dearth of knowledge and interest, acclimating learners lack the strategic processing skills needed to master the content.Alexander characterizes the second stage, competence, as including an increase in both domain and topic knowledge.