The Science Behind Knowledge of Results and How It Affects Your Performance

The Science Behind Knowledge of Results and How It Affects Your Performance

Knowledge of results, or feedback, is a vital aspect of learning and improving our performance. When we receive feedback on our actions, we can use that information to adjust and modify our behavior accordingly. The feedback we receive can either be positive or negative, and it can significantly impact our motivation and confidence in our abilities. In this blog post, we will dive into the science behind knowledge of results and how it affects our performance.

The Definition of Knowledge of Results

Before we delve further into how knowledge of results impacts our performance, we need to define it. Knowledge of results (KR) is a type of feedback that an individual receives following a task or an activity. It usually informs the performer of the outcome of their action and allows them to adjust their next performance accordingly. In essence, KR is critical in the learning process as it provides relevant information that helps us improve our performance.

The Science behind Knowledge of Results

People have studied the science behind knowledge of results for decades. The most popular theory that explains KR is the social cognitive theory, which basically argues that feedback affects our performance because it impacts our cognitions- our perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, and motives.

The social cognitive theory posits that KR has three main effects on a performer’s motivation, including:

1. Goal setting: KR helps an individual set realistic goals based on their progress and feedback. It informs them of their strengths, weaknesses, and areas they need to improve.

2. Self-efficacy: KR helps to build performers’ self-efficacy, or belief in their abilities to perform a task successfully. Positive feedback enhances self-efficacy and enhances motivation, whereas negative feedback undermines it.

3. Intrinsic motivation: If the feedback is meaningful and informative, it can enhance intrinsic motivation, which is the drive that comes from within. This is especially true when the feedback is specific, clear, and highly related to the task.

How Knowledge of Results Affects Performance

Performance is greatly influenced by knowledge of results- and there are various ways this impact can manifest:

1. Positive KR and Enhanced Performance

When performers receive positive KR, it motivates them to improve their performance further. This typically happens when they know exactly what they need to work on, and the feedback is explicit. Positive KR ought to focus on strengths and recognize areas where improvement is needed.

2. Negative KR and Deteriorating Performance

Negative KR can be detrimental to performance if it is vague, unclear, or insensitive. If performers receive an overly negative comment or feedback that is not valid or true, it undermines self-efficacy and motivation. This can lead to worsening performance and, in some cases, a complete loss of interest.

3. Neutral KR and Neutral Performance

Some feedback may be neutral, which means it does not overly affect the performer’s motivation or behavior. However, it is not wholly inconsequential- neutral feedback enhances performance by providing necessary information.

Final Thoughts

Knowledge of results is undeniably important in improving performance, promoting learning, and building motivation. KR plays a critical role in shaping attitudes, keeping performers engaged, and contributing to motivation. In essence, we need specific, precise, and accurate feedback to develop clear performance goals. Negative feedback must be given in an appropriate manner, and positive feedback should recognize the individual’s strengths. By understanding the science behind knowledge of results, we can use it to develop long-term skills, enhance outcomes, and thrive in our personal and professional lives.

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