The findings of this qualitative study confirm many of the quantitative results presented
by Burnett (2001, 2002, 2003). Specifically, younger students had a stronger preference for
ability feedback than older students and most students (60%) preferred to be praised privately
and quietly rather than loudly. In keeping with Schunk’s (1991) hypothesis, two of the teachers
commented that they thought younger children preferred effort feedback and that students’
preference for ability feedback would increase as they became more competent and
academically able. However, Burnett’s (2001) conclusions and the findings of this study do not
support this view. Younger students appear to prefer ability feedback while older students prefer
effort feedback