Effects of feedback type and modality on motor skill learning and retention

ABSTRACT

Two types of feedback, including knowledge of results (KR) and knowledge of performance (KP) are typically delivered as part of motor training using different sensory modalities. Twenty-four right-handed individuals performed a computer-based psychomotor training task using a contemporary haptic interface. Results revealed that KP was superior to KR for overall task performance retention, whereas KR was good for training specific aspects of performance. A combination of KP and KR through the same modality did not produce an additive positive learning effect for task performance. Auditory and haptic feedback improved retention over visual, but only with the use of multiple information cues. Design guidelines are provided for training systems for motor skill development and/or rehabilitation.