The Effects of Performance Improvement on Feedback Accuracy and Omission

ABSTRACT

Previous research found that instructions to provide feedback and perceived negative reactions to feedback decreased participant measurement accuracy and the likelihood of feedback being provided. The current study aimed to extend that research by evaluating whether improvements in behavior following feedback could maintain accurate measurement and feedback delivery, despite negative reactions. A mixed AB groups design was employed, and 44 participants were assigned across two groups: a control group and a progressive improvement group. All participants experienced negative reactions in response to their feedback. The confederate either maintained the same safety performance in the control group or improved their performance in the progressive improvement group. The progressive improvement group had higher observation accuracy, and the difference was statistically significant (p = .004). They also omitted less feedback than the control group. These data suggest that improvement in the behavior may be one variable that attenuates the impact of a feedback recipient responding negatively.

KEYWORDS:

• Feedback
• reaction
• safety observations
• treatment integrity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).