Conceptual versus Procedural Feedback in the Training of a Home Medical Device

Abstract

With the aid of new technology, the use of home medical devices is becoming more prevalent among older adults. These devices are often not designed with consideration for the cognitive differences that come with aging, and older adults often require training to use the devices. This study considered a blood glucose monitor, and attempted to discern what type of feedback yielded better performance from older adults: conceptual or procedural feedback-training. Participants calibrated the monitor and were given feedback when they made mistakes. The prediction was that the procedurally trained group would require fewer trials to attain criterion (a trial without error), but that the conceptually trained group would have better performance after a retention interval, showing a greater understanding of the system. Results indicated that there was no significant difference in performance between experimental conditions, but that feedback itself had a positive effect on performance.