What is the difference between feedback and praise?

What is the difference between feedback and praise?

• A. Feedback provides praise; praise provides criticism.
• B. Feedback is optional; praise is required.
• C. Feedback provides specific information for improvement; praise acknowledges achievement.
• D. Feedback is informal; praise is formal.

Answer: (C)

Feedback is information about someone’s performance intended to help them improve. It points to what was done well and what could be done differently, usually with specific guidance or steps for next time. Praise, in contrast, is about recognizing and affirming an achievement or effort, which boosts motivation and confidence but doesn’t typically provide actionable steps for improvement. So the best answer captures this distinction: feedback provides specific information for improvement, while praise acknowledges achievement.

Feedback is information about someone’s performance intended to help them improve. It points to what was done well and what could be done differently, usually with specific guidance or steps for next time. Praise, in contrast, is about recognizing and affirming an achievement or effort, which boosts motivation and confidence but doesn’t typically provide actionable steps for improvement. So the best answer captures this distinction: feedback provides specific information for improvement, while praise acknowledges achievement.