Effects of Varying Feedback Accuracy on Task Acquisition: A Computerized Translational Study

Abstract

Research has shown that the accuracy of instructions influences responding immediately and under later conditions. The purpose of the present study was to extend this literature and use a translational approach to assess the short- and long-term effects of feedback accuracy on the acquisition of a task. Three levels of inaccurate feedback were compared across groups. Participants who received accurate feedback performed best, while participants exposed to inaccurate feedback performed poorly in direct relation to the degree of inaccuracy. Once inaccurate feedback was corrected, this relation was less apparent. However, the effects of prior exposure to inaccurate feedback persisted in subsequent conditions when participants were exposed to accurate feedback. The effects of feedback accuracy on task acquisition also varied across individuals, suggesting that the effect may be idiosyncratic.