General information processing model, to include:: Feedback.

The idea

Feedback is information a performer receives about their movement, and it closes the loop in an information processing model. Intrinsic feedback comes from the performer's own senses, such as feeling the ball leave the hand correctly in a basketball pass. Extrinsic feedback comes from an outside source, such as a coach saying the elbow was too low. Feedback can also be concurrent, arriving during the action, or terminal, arriving after it. Knowledge of results tells the performer the outcome, for example that the shot missed; knowledge of performance describes the movement itself, for example that the follow-through was short.

What earns the marks

• Feedback is information received by the performer about the execution or outcome of a movement.
• Intrinsic feedback arises from the performer's own senses and proprioception during or after the action.
• Extrinsic feedback comes from an external source such as a coach, teacher, teammate or video replay.
• Concurrent feedback is received during the performance of the skill, while terminal feedback is received after it.
• Knowledge of results concerns the outcome of the action, such as whether a shot scored.
• Knowledge of performance concerns the quality or technique of the movement itself, such as body position.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing intrinsic feedback with extrinsic feedback.

  Put it right: Intrinsic comes from the performer's own senses, whereas extrinsic comes from an outside source such as a coach.

• Treating all feedback as terminal.

  Put it right: Concurrent feedback occurs during the action, so a coach shouting mid-swing is concurrent, not terminal.

• Mixing up knowledge of results with knowledge of performance.

  Put it right: Results describe the outcome, while performance describes how the movement was executed.

• Assuming feedback must be verbal.

  Put it right: Extrinsic feedback can be visual, such as a video replay, or kinaesthetic, such as a coach guiding a limb.

Exam tips

• Underline the source of the feedback in the question stem: if it is the performer's own senses, choose intrinsic; if it is another person or device, choose extrinsic.
• Check the timing words: during the action points to concurrent feedback, after the action points to terminal feedback.
• For knowledge of results versus knowledge of performance, ask whether the statement describes the outcome or the technique, then select accordingly.