Feedback

Definition

Feedback refers to the information received by an individual about their performance, which can influence future actions or behaviors. It plays a crucial role in neuromuscular control and coordination as it helps individuals adjust their movements based on sensory input, enhancing skill acquisition and overall performance. By providing insights into successes or errors, feedback facilitates learning and refinement of motor skills.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feedback can be classified as intrinsic or extrinsic, both of which serve different purposes in skill development.
2. Immediate feedback tends to be more effective for motor learning than delayed feedback, as it allows for quicker adjustments.
3. Positive feedback enhances motivation and confidence, while negative feedback can highlight areas for improvement but may also demotivate if not delivered appropriately.
4. The frequency of feedback should be adjusted based on the learner's level; novice learners benefit from more frequent feedback than experienced ones.
5. Feedback not only helps with skill refinement but also aids in developing a better understanding of one's own abilities and limitations.

Review Questions

• How does feedback contribute to the process of motor learning and skill acquisition?
  • Feedback is essential in motor learning as it provides individuals with information about their performance, allowing them to make necessary adjustments. By receiving feedback, learners can identify errors or reinforce correct actions, which enhances their ability to perform skills accurately. This ongoing cycle of action, feedback, and adjustment helps solidify new motor patterns and improve overall coordination.
• Discuss the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic feedback and how they affect performance in sports.
  • Intrinsic feedback comes from within the athlete, based on their own sensory experiences during movement, while extrinsic feedback is provided by external sources like coaches or technology. Intrinsic feedback allows athletes to develop self-awareness and self-correction skills, leading to greater independence in performance. Extrinsic feedback can offer objective insights that athletes might miss on their own, helping them to understand their performance from an outside perspective. Both types play a critical role in refining techniques and improving overall effectiveness.
• Evaluate the impact of feedback frequency on a novice learner versus an experienced athlete in skill development.
  • For novice learners, high-frequency feedback is vital as it provides consistent guidance and helps build confidence while they are still developing fundamental skills. This frequent interaction allows them to correct errors quickly and establish proper techniques. In contrast, experienced athletes benefit from reduced frequency of feedback since they have already developed a strong foundation and can make adjustments based on intrinsic cues. Excessive external feedback can lead to dependence, hindering their ability to self-regulate and perform under pressure without guidance.

Related terms

Intrinsic Feedback: Information that comes from within the performer, such as sensory input related to their own body movements and sensations.

Extrinsic Feedback: External information provided to the performer by an outside source, such as a coach, video analysis, or performance metrics.

Motor Learning:

The process of acquiring and refining motor skills through practice, experience, and feedback.