<P> Knowledge of results, or sometimes immediate knowledge of results, can be used for any learning where a student (or an animal) gets information after the action . The information is about how satisfactory the action is . </P> <P> An early experiment on knowledge of results was the machine invented by Sidney Pressey, where a device both tested and taught multiple - choice questions . This method tells the user (by inference) only whether the choice was correct or not . The material was multiple choice items, and the method used as an addition to collecting classroom test scores . </P> <P> Later work in training research and education used the term "knowledge of results" frequently . </P> <P> An important question was whether scores would be improved more if direct teaching was given either before or after the question was asked . The answer in both cases was (broadly) yes . Using instructional films, Michael and Maccoby split groups into two halves . Half the students were given material which required active, explicit responses . After a pause, they were told the correct answer . The other half was not given feedback . Instructional time was identical . The result showed a "slight but significant gain" for the active - response procedure without feedback, but more gain when feedback was provided . The experimenters later described this as "KCR" rather than "feedback". Research on the active response itself is summarised in . Later discussion of experiments like these suggested that the results might be due to practice rather than feedback . Undoubtedly, the set - up had given extra practice on the questions as well as knowledge of results, and the experiments often confounded the two factors . </P>

Why knowledge of result is considered as a condition of learning