3.5 Applying Motor Learning Feedback

Question 1

What are the two main types of feedback in motor learning?

Answer 1

Intrinsic feedback and Extrinsic (augmented) feedback.

Question 2

What is intrinsic feedback?

Answer 2

Natural feedback from the body’s sensory systems (visual, somatosensory, proprioceptive).

Question 3

Examples of intrinsic feedback?

Answer 3

Seeing your hand reach a target, feeling your foot hit the ground, sensing balance changes.

Question 4

What is extrinsic feedback?

Answer 4

Additional information from an outside source (therapist, device) to supplement intrinsic feedback.

Question 5

What is concurrent feedback?

Answer 5

Feedback given during the task (e.g., therapist guides arm, verbal cues).

Question 6

What is terminal feedback?

Answer 6

Feedback given after the task is finished

Question 7

What are the two key types of terminal feedback?

Answer 7

Knowledge of Results (KR) and Knowledge of Performance (KP).

Question 8

What is Knowledge of Results (KR)?

Answer 8

Feedback about the outcome of the movement (e.g., “You walked 10 feet” or “Missed target by 2 inches”).

Question 9

What is Knowledge of Performance (KP)?

Answer 9

Feedback about the movement pattern itself (e.g., “You leaned too far forward”).

Question 10

When is knowledge of results most helpful?

Answer 10

Especially during learning of new motor tasks.

Question 11

When might intrinsic feedback alone be enough?

Answer 11

For tasks like tracking movements (e.g., tracing a path with a pen).

Question 12

When is concurrent feedback especially useful?

Answer 12

For complex or unfamiliar tasks during practice.

Question 13

What is a fading schedule of feedback?

Answer 13

Providing more feedback early, then reducing feedback as practice continues.

Question 14

Why does a fading schedule improve retention?

Answer 14

Encourages learners to rely on their own error detection rather than external feedback.

Question 15

What happens with 100% feedback (every trial)?

Answer 15

Improves practice performance but reduces retention due to dependency.

Question 16

How does task complexity affect optimal feedback frequency?

Answer 16

Simple tasks: best retention with KR every 15 trials. Complex tasks: best retention with KR every 5 trials.

Question 17

Why does less frequent feedback aid learning?

Answer 17

Promotes cognitive processes like error detection and correction.

Question 18

Why is immediate knowledge of results detrimental?

Answer 18

Too much info too soon discourages reflection and hurts retention.

Question 19

How precise should feedback be for adults?

Answer 19

Quantitative and reasonably precise feedback improves accuracy, but overly detailed feedback adds little benefit.

Question 20

Do the specific units of measurement matter for adults?

Answer 20

No — inches, cm, or even made-up units work equally well.

Question 21

How should feedback be tailored for children?

Answer 21

Keep it simple and familiar — overly precise or unfamiliar feedback can confuse and hinder learning.