Performance Feedback: A Deep Dive into the Characteristics and Effects

Performance feedback, hereafter referred to as feedback, is a frequently (a) recommended component of supervision (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2018) and (b) implemented component of interventions in research published in behavioral journals (Balcazar et al., 1989; Nolan et al., 1999; VanStelle et al., 2012). Although frequently recommended and implemented, feedback is neither consistently defined, described, or effective, nor is it a principle of behavior. Because of these discrepancies, we invite you to join us for this deep dive into performance feedback!

The focus of this presentation will involve (a) defining feedback, (b) discussing its characteristics and effects, (c) considering its classification as a principle of behavior, and (d) inviting you to integrate and apply this potentially new information when delivering feedback in every role that you serve, especially as supervisors!

Objectives:
- Provide behavioral definitions for feedback
- Identify 10 feedback characteristics
- Provide at least 2 exemplars for each of those 10 feedback characteristics
- Define at least 5 feedback characteristics
- Discuss the effects of feedback alone and as part of a treatment package
- Understand feedback as an operant procedure, not a principle of behavior
- Provide technological descriptions of feedback procedures