Does the feedback effect modulate the coach's perception of competence? / Does the Effect of Feedback Modulate the Coach's Perception of Competition?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect that different types of feedback had on psychological and performance variables as a function of an athlete´s perception of his/her coach´s competence. A case study was conducted with 33 soccer players randomly assigned to three experimental conditions (positive and negative feedback and no feedback). Shot speed and accuracy, competence valuation, perceived competence, autonomous motivation and subjective vitality were measured. An α-level of .05 was employed for all the analyses. Positive feedback group exhibited higher levels of competence valuation, perceived competence of the player, autonomous motivation, and well-being than the negative and neutral feedback groups only in those subjects who had a high perception of the coach's competence. This effect was not observed in those with a low perception of coach competence. In this respect, the players’ perception of coach’s competence could be a factor in modulating the differences generated with regard to the type of feedback received.