Effects of immediate and delayed feedback on the learning of empathy

Studied the effects of immediate and delayed feedback on the learning of accurate empathy (AE). 36 male undergraduates were placed into 1 of 3 feedback groups immediate, delayed, or control instructed briefly and asked to respond aloud empathically to a simulated psychotherapy film (premeasure). Ss were then shown 4 additional films and given appropriate feedback as to their empathic performance. On a 6th film Ss responded but received no feedback (postmeasure). Pre- and postresponses were rated independently on a 5-stage AE scale. Both experimental groups made significant gains. Analysis of the postmeasure indicated superiority of the immediate feedback method over the delayed method and the control group. (18 ref.)