What is feedback and its purpose

Feedback is information provided to a performer about how they carried out a skill or activity. This helps them understand what went well and what needs improvement, making it easier to enhance future performances. As a result, performers can identify their strengths and weaknesses, which allows them to create an action plan for better results.

Feedback comes from various sources, such as your own assessment during the activity or observations from others like coaches or teammates.

Sources of feedback

Feedback can originate from within yourself or from external observers.

Intrinsic feedback

Intrinsic feedback, also known as internal feedback, comes from within the performer and is based on how the movement or skill felt during execution. This type relies on your own senses and awareness of your body.

This source is most effective for experienced performers, who have the knowledge to accurately judge their own actions and make adjustments.

Extrinsic feedback

Extrinsic feedback, also known as external feedback, is provided by someone else, such as a coach, teacher, or video analysis, who observes and comments on the performance.

Beginners benefit most from this type, as they may not yet understand what a correct movement feels like or how to assess their own efforts.

Types of feedback focusing on skills and outcomes

Feedback can target either the technique used in a movement or the end result of the action.

Knowledge of performance

Knowledge of performance (KP) is feedback that focuses on the quality of the movements or technique involved in a skill, regardless of the final outcome. This helps performers understand if they executed the action correctly.

Characteristics of knowledge of performance:

• KP can be either intrinsic (from your own feel of the movement) or extrinsic (from an observer's input).
• It is particularly valuable for experienced performers, who can use it to fine-tune advanced skills and make precise improvements.

Knowledge of results

Knowledge of results (KR) is feedback that concentrates on the outcome or end result of a performance, such as a score, time, or distance achieved. This type is always extrinsic, as it often involves measurable data provided by others or tools.

Characteristics of knowledge of results:

• KR is especially useful for inexperienced performers, who need clear information about whether they achieved the desired result to build basic understanding.

Positive and negative feedback

Feedback can emphasise either successes or areas for improvement.

Positive feedback

Positive feedback highlights what was done well in a performance, reinforcing successful elements. This encourages repetition of correct actions and builds confidence.

Uses of positive feedback:

• It is most effective for beginners, as it helps them remember and replicate the right parts of a skill without feeling discouraged.

Negative feedback

Negative feedback points out what was not done well and suggests ways to improve, focusing on errors or weaknesses. This provides specific information for change.

Uses of negative feedback:

• It can be helpful for experienced performers, who use it to fine-tune their skills and set targeted goals.
• However, too much negative feedback should be avoided with beginners, as it might demotivate them or make them reluctant to keep learning.