Types of Feedback

Feedback is a crucial concept in sports psychology, as it allows individuals to evaluate their performance and identify areas for improvement. Feedback can come from a variety of sources and in different forms.

Intrinsic Feedback

Intrinsic feedback is internal feedback generated by an individual’s sensory systems while performing a task or action.
It’s received during and after the execution of a skill and includes information about the feel of the movement, the result, and the individual’s efficiency.
An example would be a golfer sensing that their swing was off due to the feel of the club on impact.

Extrinsic Feedback

Extrinsic feedback is information provided by an outside source, such as a coach, peer, or even video playback.
Extrinsic feedback can be further divided into different types: knowledge of results (KR) and knowledge of performance (KP).

Knowledge of Results (KR)

Knowledge of Results (KR) feedback refers to outcome-based information about a performance, usually showing the success or failure of an action.
A tennis player learning whether their serve was in or out is an example of KR feedback.

Knowledge of Performance (KP)

Knowledge of Performance (KP) feedback refers to information about the technique or strategy used in performing a task.
For instance, a swimming coach giving technical advice on a swimmer’s stroke technique is giving KP feedback.

Positive Feedback

Positive feedback provides reinforcement for a job well done and increases the likelihood that the behaviour will recur.
It encourages the continuation of good practice and effort, thereby boosting self-esteem and confidence.
An example is a coach praising a basketball player for a good pass.

Negative Feedback

Negative feedback is information about what was incorrect in the execution of a skill.
The goal of negative feedback isn’t to criticise but to help the athlete understand what was wrong and how to improve.
For instance, a football coach explaining why a player’s tackle was unsuccessful and how to do it properly.

Concurrent and Delayed Feedback

Concurrent feedback is given during the performance of a skill and can help to correct an action as it’s happening.
Delayed feedback is provided after the performance and gives learners time to evaluate their own performance before receiving feedback. This aids in the development of self-evaluation skills.
Both concurrent and delayed feedback can be useful, depending on the learning stage and skill complexity.

Terminal Feedback

Terminal feedback refers to information provided at the end of a performance. This can be essential for letting the performer know how well they did overall, allowing them to reflect on their performance.

Remember, the timing, quantity, and type of feedback can greatly influence how well an individual learns and performs a skill. The type of feedback should suit the learner’s needs and skill level for it to be effective.