Efficiency of information processing to include:: Feedback data.

The idea

Feedback data is information about the outcome or execution of a movement that the performer receives and uses to adjust future attempts. It can be intrinsic, arising from the senses during and after the action, or extrinsic, provided by a coach, video, timer or scoreboard. It can concern knowledge of results, such as a shot landing wide, or knowledge of performance, such as a coach noting that the elbow dropped. In information processing, feedback data is compared with the intended outcome, and any mismatch becomes an error signal that guides adaptation. For example, a badminton player sees the shuttle land long, then shortens the next overhead clear. The efficiency of this loop depends on the accuracy, timing and relevance of the feedback data available.

What earns the marks

• Feedback data is information about the outcome or execution of a movement that is available to the performer.
• Intrinsic feedback comes from the performer's own senses during or after the movement.
• Extrinsic feedback is provided by an external source such as a coach, video replay, timer or scoreboard.
• Knowledge of results describes information about the outcome of the movement, such as whether a shot landed in or out.
• Knowledge of performance describes information about how the movement was executed, such as technique or body position.
• Feedback data is compared with the intended outcome, and any mismatch acts as an error signal for adaptation.
• The efficiency of information processing depends on the accuracy, timing and relevance of the feedback data.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing feedback data with the movement itself.

  Put it right: Feedback data is information about the movement or its outcome, not the physical action.

• Assuming all feedback is extrinsic.

  Put it right: Intrinsic feedback from the senses is also feedback data and can be used without a coach.

• Treating knowledge of results and knowledge of performance as identical.

  Put it right: Results concern the outcome, while performance concerns how the movement was executed.

• Believing feedback only matters after a movement.

  Put it right: Intrinsic feedback can be received during the movement and used to adjust it in real time.

Exam tips

• In multiple-choice questions, identify whether the example describes information about the outcome or about the execution of the movement.
• Check whether the source of the information is internal to the performer or external before selecting an answer.
• Eliminate options that describe the movement itself rather than information about it.
• Look for the option that explains how feedback data is used to reduce the mismatch between intended and actual performance.