The feedback vaccine
Using inoculation theory to address cultural differences in negative instructional feedback
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21539657 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Shuai Guo (0000-0003-4529-6389, University of Kentucky, corresponding author), T Kody Frey (0000-0003-1001-8821, University of Kentucky), Erin B Hester (0000-0002-0772-3952, University of Kentucky) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 115-135 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Communication Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0363-4523 • E-ISSN: 1479-5795 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/03634523.2025.2559805 |
| OpenAlex | W4414373829 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 60 |
This study used a 2 (time: pre- vs. postexposure) × 3 (preemptive message: control, face-supportive, inoculation) mixed online experimental design to investigate whether preemptive messaging from international instructors of high-power-distance cultures can mitigate negative perceptions among students from low-power-distance cultures when receiving critical feedback. Results indicated that negative instructor feedback significantly reduced perceived student–instructor rapport, positive attitude toward the instructor, and willingness to enroll in future classes with this instructor. However, negative feedback did not influence students’ feelings about instructor credibility, the perceived fairness of the comments, or the perceived fairness of the grading. Additionally, preemptive inoculation messages were more effective than face-supportive messages in preserving positive student perceptions, underscoring the importance of strategically addressing cultural differences in instructional communication. However, the magnitude of change stemming from the negative feedback on perceptions of instructor credibility, as well as the perceived fairness of the comments and grading, was not significantly different across any of the conditions
Attitude change · Cross-cultural · Cultural background · Cultural competence · Cultural diversity · Higher education · Intercultural communication · Communication in Education and Healthcare · Education and Critical Thinking Development · Online and Blended Learning
Student perceptions of assessment feedback
Formative feedback in a multicultural classroom
Syllabus Sanctions
Evaluating classic and contemporary ideas about persuasion resistance in inoculation theory
Effective instructor feedback does not always promote better public speaking outcomes
“Is it because I’m international?”
Understanding feedback in online learning – A critical review and metaphor analysis
The Efficacy of Inoculation in Televised Political Debates
Cultural Variation in the Self-Concept
Some Contemporary Approaches
Effectiveness of feedback
The effects of feedback interventions on performance
Students’ attitudes toward foreign-born and domestic instructors
Oh my god! You have become so Americanized ”
A Meta-Analysis of Research on Inoculation Theory
Efficacy of inoculation strategies in promoting resistance to political attack messages
Apprehension or motivation to defend attitudes? Exploring the underlying threat mechanism in inoculation-induced resistance to persuasion
Goodwill
Teachers' beliefs about student motivation
Sustainable attitudes
The Power of Feedback
The relative efficacy of various types of prior belief-defense in producing immunity against persuasion
Resistance to persuasion conferred by active and passive prior refutation of the same and alternative counterarguments
Measuring the Involvement Construct
Boosting the Potency of Resistance
Enriching the Inoculation Construct The Role of Critical Components in the Process of Resistance
An Empirical Test of a Model of Resistance to Persuasion
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |