Effects of Feedback Types on Confirmatory Behavior: An Empirical Study

Abstract

The current study investigated the effects of different types of feedback on confirmatory behavior among participants within the framework of operant conditioning. Confirmation bias, the tendency to favor information that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs, was analyzed through an empirical setup involving three groups receiving different feedback types: positive, negative, and combined. A total of eighteen participants were divided into six participants per group. The results showed that groups receiving positive or combined feedback in the initial training phase significantly increased correct responses to tasks related to Wason’s Four Card problem compared to those who received negative feedback. However, while groups who initially received positive and combined feedback showed greater performance levels, the difference in performance between the two was negligible in subsequent baseline and generalization phases, indicating that positive feedback alone was sufficient to achieve similar levels of performance. This supports the theory that reinforcement, especially positive reinforcement, is more effective than punishment for long-term behavior change, as it fosters a sense of competence and autonomy. These findings suggest that effective reinforcement strategies are crucial for reducing confirmation bias and promoting objective information processing. The implications of these results are discussed in the context of educational settings and behavior modification programs.