Welcome to the World of Feedback!
Ever tried to learn a new skill, like a backflip or a perfect three-pointer, without anyone telling you how you did? It’s almost impossible! In Physical Education, Feedback is the information a performer receives about their performance. It is the "secret sauce" that helps us move from being a shaky beginner to a confident pro. In these notes, we’ll break down how feedback works, the different types you need to know for your exam, and how technology is changing the game.
Don't worry if this seems like a lot of terms at first—we will pair them up to make them much easier to remember!
3.6.1 The Purpose of Feedback
Why do we even bother with feedback? It serves three main purposes in skill acquisition:
1. Motivation: Everyone likes a "Well done!" Positive feedback makes us want to keep practicing and working hard. It boosts our confidence.
2. Reinforcement: This is a big one for your exam. Feedback helps strengthen the Stimulus-Response (S-R) bond. When you do something right and get praised, your brain "locks in" that movement pattern.
3. Detection and Correction of Errors: This is the practical side. Feedback tells us what went wrong (e.g., "Your elbow was too low") so we can fix it for the next attempt.
Quick Review: Feedback = Motivation + Reinforcement + Error Correction.
3.6.2 The "Feedback Menu": Types of Feedback
In the Pearson Edexcel syllabus, feedback is usually discussed in pairs. Think of these as "opposites" to help you remember them.
Pair 1: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic
Intrinsic Feedback: This comes from within the performer. It is the physical "feel" of the movement. Scientists call this proprioception.
Example: A gymnast "feeling" that their legs are straight during a handstand.
Extrinsic Feedback: This comes from an outside source.
Example: A coach shouting instructions, or the sound of the ball hitting the back of the net.
Pair 2: Knowledge of Results (KR) vs. Knowledge of Performance (KP)
Knowledge of Results (KR): This is about the outcome. Did you score? What was your time?
Example: Looking at the scoreboard to see you ran 100m in 12 seconds.
Knowledge of Performance (KP): This is about the quality/technique of the movement. It explains why you got that result.
Example: A coach telling a swimmer, "Your hand entry was too wide."
Pair 3: Positive vs. Negative
Positive Feedback: Tells the performer what they did right. Great for beginners (Cognitive learners) to build confidence.
Negative Feedback: Tells the performer what they did wrong. Best for experts (Autonomous learners) who can handle criticism and want to fine-tune their skills.
Pair 4: Concurrent vs. Terminal
Concurrent Feedback: Received during the movement.
Example: A rowing coach shouting through a megaphone while you are still rowing.
Terminal Feedback: Received after the movement is finished.
Example: A debrief in the changing room after a football match.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't confuse KR and KP! KR is the final score/time (the result); KP is how your body moved (the performance).
3.6.3 Technology and Feedback
In the modern sporting world, coaches don't just rely on their eyes. Technology helps make feedback more objective (based on facts) rather than subjective (based on opinion).
Methods include:
- Video Analysis: (e.g., Dartfish) allowing performers to see their own technique in slow motion (KP).
- GPS Tracking: Measuring distance covered and speed in real-time.
- Biofeedback: Using heart rate monitors or equipment that measures muscle tension to show how the body is responding.
Key Takeaway: Technology makes feedback more accurate and allows performers to "see the invisible" parts of their performance.
3.6.4 Open and Closed Loop Control
This is the most "technical" part of the chapter, but we can simplify it using a thermostat analogy. These models explain how we use feedback to control our movements.
The Open Loop Model (Level 1 Control)
This is for very fast, ballistic movements where there is no time to use feedback during the move. The "plan" is sent from the brain to the muscles, and the move is finished before you can change it.
- Components: Input $\rightarrow$ Executive System (Brain) $\rightarrow$ Effector System (Muscles) $\rightarrow$ Output (The Move).
Example: A golf swing or a fast cricket bowl. Once you start, you can't stop mid-swing!
The Closed Loop Model (Level 2 & 3 Control)
This is for slower, longer movements. You receive feedback while you are doing the skill and can make adjustments. This is like a thermostat in a house—if it gets too cold, it turns the heat on to reach the "target."
- Components: Input $\rightarrow$ Executive $\rightarrow$ Effector $\rightarrow$ Output $\rightarrow$ Feedback (which goes back to the Executive to adjust).
Example: A cyclist navigating a busy road or a gymnast holding a balance. They are constantly adjusting based on feedback.
Memory Aid:
Open Loop = Over in a flash (No feedback during).
Closed Loop = Continuous control (Feedback used during).
Quick Summary for Revision
1. Why? Feedback motivates, reinforces the S-R bond, and corrects mistakes.
2. Who? Beginners need Positive, Extrinsic, and KR. Experts need Negative, Intrinsic, and KP.
3. When? Concurrent is during the move; Terminal is after.
4. How? Open loop is for fast skills (no adjustment); Closed loop is for slow skills (adjustment via feedback).
Did you know? Experts often rely almost entirely on Intrinsic feedback. They can feel a mistake the split second it happens, often before they even see the result!