Skill Acquisition: Feedback

Intrinsic Feedback

Intrinsic feedback is internal information received by the athlete during and after the execution of a task.
It can be kinesthetic feedback, which is about the sense of body position, movement and balance, and is critical for activities requiring co-ordination.
It’s the most immediate form of feedback and helps athletes to develop an innate feel for precision and finesse in their actions.

Extrinsic Feedback

Extrinsic feedback comes from outside sources, such as a coach or video playback.
This type of feedback can be either knowledge of performance (KP) or knowledge of results (KR).

Knowledge of Performance and Results

Knowledge of performance (KP) refers to feedback about the technique and performance.
Knowledge of Results (KR) refers to feedback about the outcome of the performance.
KP helps the performer understand how to improve their technique, while KR could enhance their understanding of the effects of good or bad techniques on overall results.

Positive and Negative Feedback

Positive feedback reinforces good performance and increases the likelihood of it being repeated.
Negative feedback gives information about what aspects need to be corrected.
Both forms of feedback are useful: positive feedback boosts athletes’ confidence and motivation, whereas negative feedback helps them identify areas that require improvement.

Feedback helps performers to correct errors and improve competence in performing a skill.
It aids in reinforcing good practice and discouraging the repetition of errors.
Feedback also plays a crucial role in sustaining motivation and establishing clear goals for athletes.
Continuous feedback can lead to over-reliance, hindering the development of intrinsic feedback.

Immediate feedback can help the performer rapidly correct their technique, but may inhibit the development of intrinsic feedback.
Delayed feedback can give performers time to evaluate their own performance first, promoting self-reliance.
Frequent feedback can be useful for beginners to help them understand and improve their skill.
Reduced feedback can promote self-assessment, self-reliance, and a better development of intrinsic feedback mechanisms. It is more useful for skilled performers.

Feedback can be given verbally, visually, or mechanically – using devices to measure the performance.
The most efficient type of feedback varies according to the individual performer and the specific context.
Audio-visual aids, like videos, are increasingly used as effective tools for providing feedback.