Just one last piece to this thread: I teach people to search databases in libraries and on the net (search engines). Information retrieval has become very complex since we got rid of card catalogs. Much of my research has been with novices learning to use information technology to retrieve information for various purposes. I have focused on affective variables like confidence and self-efficacy (ala Bandura) and have found that in this context they are significant.
Regardless of prior experience, people in my studies who rate themselves as highly confident in their abilities to search always have superior scores on retrieval variables including efficiency and satisfaction variables. One study (others found similar results in other studies) uncovered an interesting dynamic: novices want confirmation (what you refer to as feedback) even when they already know that their choice of actions/their decisions is correct. They want the system to say something like: your search strategy has no errors in it, but systems do not provide any type of constructive feedback at this time, much less this type of validation feedback.
Related to this is the finding that after a two an a half hour hands-on instructional searching session with a renowned expert in this area (not I), novices searched on their own for five sessions over a period of a few weeks, and throughout these sessions asked an average of one question per minute. In the first two sessions the average was three questions per minute about how to proceed in their searches. These systemic information needs are related to affective variables like confidence because 40% were simple validation questions. I believe they play a role in stimulating continuous motivation needed by searchers who are prone to frustration and discouragement throughout the search process.
I have come to focus on writing learning objectives in what I call integrated ACS information behavior units (affective/cognitive/sensorimotor) on the assumption that affective variables always accompany cognitive and motor behavior and provide a filter for selecting cognitive decisions. Low confidence and low motivation negatively affect cognitive decisions directly in searching. In short, I believe that confidence-building is effective in helping novice searchers develop their skills. If you're interested in this area, I have some articles on my web site (http://www2.hawaii.edu/~nahl).