During fading feedback, how should the amount of feedback change as practice progresses?

• A. Increase over time
• B. Stay the same
• C. Decrease as skill stabilizes
• D. Be random

Answer: (C)

Fading feedback is about adjusting how much guidance you give as a learner improves. At the start of practice, giving more frequent feedback helps establish the correct pattern and reduces errors. As the skill stabilizes and performance becomes more consistent, you gradually reduce the amount of external feedback. This shift encourages the learner to rely more on their own sense of what felt right and on intrinsic cues, which strengthens learning and improves long-term retention and transfer.

If feedback were increased over time, it could create dependence and slow independence. Keeping feedback the same ignores the learner’s changing needs as they get closer to mastery. Giving feedback randomly would be inconsistent and could confuse the learner, making it harder to form stable control.