Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
The impact of feedback during formative testing on study behaviour and performance of (bio)medical students: a
D H J Thijssen1,2, M T E Hopman3, M T van Wijngaarden3
1Department of Physiology (392), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. dick.thijssen@radboudumc.nl.
Background:
A potential concern of formative testing using web-based applications ("apps") is provision of limited feedback. Adopting a randomised controlled trial in 463 first year (bio) medical students, we explored if providing immediate, detailed feedback during "app"-based formative testing can further improve study behaviour and study performance of (bio)medical students.
Methods:
Students had access to a formative testing "app", which involved 7 formative test modules throughout the 4-week course. In a randomised order, subjects received the "app" with (n = 231, intervention) or without (n = 232, control) detailed feedback during the formative test modules.
Results:
No differences in app-use was found between groups (P = 0.15), whereas the intervention group more frequently reviewed information compared to controls (P = 0.007). Exam scores differed between non-/moderate-/intensive- users of the "app" (P < 0.001). No differences in exam scores were found between intervention (6.6 ± 1.1) versus control (6.6 ± 1.1, P = 0.18). Time spent studying was significantly higher compared to previous courses in moderate- and intensive-users (P = 0.006 and < 0.001, respectively), but not in non-users (P = 0.55). Time spent studying did not differ between groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
Providing detailed feedback did not further enhance the effect of a web-based application of formative testing on study behaviour or study performance in (bio)medical students, possibly because of a ceiling-effect.
Related Concept Videos
Feedback control systems
Linear feedback systems are theoretical models that simplify analysis and design. These systems operate under the principle that their output is directly proportional to their input within certain ranges. For instance, an amplifier in a control system behaves linearly as long as the input signal remains within a specific range. However, most physical systems exhibit inherent nonlinearity...
Sources of Self-Esteem II: Performance Feedback
Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...
Case Studies
Feedback Inhibition
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests

