Faded Versus Increasing Feedback,Task Variability Trajectories,and Transfer of Training

We assessed the merit of the advice given in the literature to fade feedback over the course of training because it was not based on solid research evidence. In a transfer experiment, we compared the effects of faded versus increasing feedback-provided guidance over the course of training on performers' task variability patterns and the subsequent transfer of effective responses to different task conditions. We found that faded feedback led to a rapid change in the percentage of favorable (vs. unfavorable) task conditions experienced over the course of training, which facilitated the transfer of effective responses to favorable task conditions. Alternatively, increasing feedback-provided guidance resulted in a gradual increase in the percentage of favorable (vs. unfavorable) task conditions experienced over the course of training and more balanced exposure to different task conditions. This facilitated the transfer of effective responses to unfavorable task conditions and more equal transfer of effective responses to favorable and unfavorable task conditions. The results indicated that recommendations to fade feedback over training need to be qualified and have implications for the design of feedback interventions used in training and other developmental activities.