What type of feedback states what did not work and why?

Descriptive feedback is a type of feedback that focuses on providing specific details about what did not work and why. It emphasizes objective observations rather than subjective opinions. By articulating the elements of a task that were ineffective, descriptive feedback helps the recipient understand the reasons behind the shortcomings, enabling them to learn and improve in future attempts. This clarity around the 'what' and 'why' encourages a deeper understanding of the issues, paving the way for targeted changes and enhancements in performance.

In contrast, evaluative feedback tends to judge the quality of the work without necessarily explaining the underlying causes of failure. Prescriptive feedback suggests specific actions for improvement but may not delve into the reasons for the issues at hand. Constructive feedback aims to provide a balanced view by highlighting positives as well as areas for improvement, but it does not solely focus on elaborating what didn't work and why. Descriptive feedback's focus on the rationale behind shortcomings makes it particularly effective for fostering growth and understanding.