Knowledge of Results

Definition

Knowledge of results refers to the type of feedback that provides information about the outcome of a motor skill performance, allowing individuals to assess their success or failure. This feedback is crucial in enhancing learning and performance because it helps learners understand how well they executed a task and what adjustments might be necessary. The concept connects deeply with theories about movement control, types of feedback available to learners, and the schedules that govern when feedback is given during practice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Knowledge of results is essential for effective learning, as it helps performers recognize patterns in their execution and make necessary corrections.
2. Feedback that includes knowledge of results can be immediate or delayed, influencing how quickly a learner can adjust their performance.
3. This type of knowledge is often contrasted with knowledge of performance, which focuses on the quality of movement rather than just the outcome.
4. Effective use of knowledge of results can lead to improved retention of skills and better transfer of learning to different contexts.
5. Providing knowledge of results at optimal intervals during practice can enhance motivation and engagement, leading to more effective skill acquisition.

Review Questions

• How does knowledge of results facilitate motor skill learning in closed-loop systems?
  • In closed-loop systems, knowledge of results plays a critical role by providing feedback about the outcome of actions, which helps individuals make adjustments in real-time. This immediate feedback allows learners to compare their actual performance against their intended goals, fostering self-correction and skill refinement. The ongoing process of receiving this type of feedback enables learners to adapt their movements more effectively, which is fundamental for mastering motor skills.
• Discuss the differences between intrinsic feedback and knowledge of results in the context of skill acquisition.
  • Intrinsic feedback comes from within the performer, such as sensory input regarding body position or movement feelings. In contrast, knowledge of results is extrinsic feedback that specifically informs the learner about the success or failure of their performance outcomes. While intrinsic feedback can guide immediate adjustments during practice, knowledge of results enhances long-term learning by allowing learners to evaluate their performance more objectively and make informed changes in future attempts.
• Evaluate how varying schedules of knowledge of results impact motor skill acquisition and retention.
  • The frequency and timing of delivering knowledge of results significantly affect motor skill acquisition and retention. Research shows that intermittent feedback can be more beneficial than constant feedback because it encourages learners to rely on their own intrinsic feedback mechanisms while still receiving confirmation about their performance outcomes. By using varied schedules—such as providing knowledge of results after a set number of trials rather than after every attempt—learners become more adept at self-evaluation and adjustment. This strategic timing not only enhances immediate performance but also improves the retention of skills over time, ensuring that individuals can transfer their abilities across different contexts.

Related terms

Feedback: Information provided to a performer about their performance, which can be intrinsic (from within) or extrinsic (from an external source).

Motor Skill Acquisition: The process through which individuals learn and refine motor skills over time, influenced by practice, feedback, and individual differences.

Performance Improvement: Enhancements in the execution of a motor skill resulting from practice, feedback, and experience.