Glossary
Feedback on outcome(s) of behavior
What is Feedback on Outcomes of Behavior?
Feedback on outcomes of behavior gives a person information about the results of performing a behavior.
Outcome feedback vs. behavior feedback
This differs from feedback about the behavior itself. A result can have several causes, so reporting it does not establish how much of the change the person’s action caused.
An example of outcome feedback
A tutor discusses a student’s latest test score after a period of study. The score is an outcome; the study sessions are behavior. If the score improves, the tutor still needs to consider what changed, including the test itself and the student’s preparation.
How the technique is defined
The original BCT Taxonomy v1 definitions specify this as technique 2.7. This category identifies what the feedback reports; it does not tell us whether the feedback helps the recipient.
Why it matters
Effort and results do not always move together. Outcome feedback makes the result visible, while a record of behavior helps interpret it. Keeping both in view is useful when results are delayed or affected by factors beyond the person’s control.