Positive Information vs. Negative Information: Whether Humans Can Learn from Mistakes

In this study, we analysed an experience-based learning process in which participants received immediate feedback information as a reaction to right choices and to mistakes made. Information was measured as non-randomness in the distributions of right and wrong choices. The data obtained provide evidence that the majority of the participants could use both positive and negative information while learning. A small but conspicuous proportion of the participants could learn exclusively through the use of negative feedback information, i.e., through their own mistakes.