knowledge of results vs knowledge of performance

Championisme authors

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21-10-2024

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Knowledge of Results vs. Knowledge of Performance: Mastering the Art of Feedback

In the pursuit of improvement, whether in sports, music, or even everyday tasks, feedback plays a crucial role. But not all feedback is created equal. Two distinct types of feedback, knowledge of results (KR) and knowledge of performance (KP), offer different perspectives on how we learn and refine our skills. Understanding the nuances between these two can significantly enhance our ability to learn and achieve our goals.

What is Knowledge of Results (KR)?

Knowledge of results, as defined by Schmidt, R. A., & Wrisberg, C. A. (2008). Motor learning and performance: A situation-based approach (4th ed.). Human Kinetics, focuses on the outcome of a task. It answers the question: "Did I succeed?"

For example, if you're practicing a free throw in basketball, KR would be knowing whether the ball went through the hoop or not.

What is Knowledge of Performance (KP)?

Knowledge of performance, on the other hand, provides information about the quality of the movement or the process involved in achieving the outcome. It answers the question: "How did I do it?"

Continuing the basketball example, KP might include feedback on the arc of the ball, the position of your hand at release, or your overall stance.

The Power of Combining KR and KP

While both KR and KP are valuable in their own right, their combined use is often the most effective approach to learning. Imagine you're learning to play the guitar. Simply knowing if you hit the right note (KR) is helpful but insufficient. Knowing how well you executed the fingering, the timing of your strumming, or the overall rhythm (KP) provides much richer feedback and allows for more targeted improvement.

Practical Applications of KR and KP

The principles of KR and KP can be applied to a wide range of activities:

• Sports: A coach providing feedback on the accuracy of a golf swing (KR) and the swing mechanics (KP).
• Music: A teacher commenting on whether a student hit the correct notes (KR) and the quality of their tone, phrasing, and dynamics (KP).
• Academic learning: A professor grading an essay based on content (KR) and writing style, grammar, and organization (KP).

Key Considerations for Effective Feedback

• Specificity: The feedback should be clear, concise, and focused on specific aspects of the performance.
• Timing: Feedback is most effective when it's given immediately after the task is completed.
• Frequency: The frequency of feedback should be adjusted based on the complexity of the task and the learner's skill level.
• Receptiveness: The learner should be receptive to the feedback and willing to use it to improve.

Conclusion

By understanding the differences between knowledge of results and knowledge of performance, we can leverage the power of feedback to accelerate our learning and achieve greater success. Combining these two types of feedback, while adhering to the principles of effective feedback delivery, can help us refine our skills, overcome challenges, and unlock our true potential.