The effects of feedback type and feedback sign on performance

This study investigated feedback sign's relationship with performance, satisfaction, and self-efficacy. It was expected that the magnitude of feedback sign's influence would differ by feedback type, personality, and with feedback repetition. The magnitude of feedback sign's influence on performance and self-efficacy was stronger for norm feedback than absolute feedback for individuals with high Conscientiousness or high Extraversion. The magnitude of feedback sign's influence became stronger over trials for self-efficacy, but its effect on satisfaction became weaker over trials for individuals with a high level of Conscientiousness. The direction of feedback sign's effect also varied. Negative feedback led to higher performance than positive feedback for individuals given norm feedback who had a high level of Conscientiousness or a low level of Extraversion, in all other cases positive feedback led to higher performance. These results indicate that feedback type, feedback sign, personality, and feedback repetition can influence reactions to feedback