Metacognition is a fundamental concept in psychology that has gained relevance in recent decades due to its role in learning and decision making. In this article, we will explore the history of metacognition, define the concept, and present some of the most influential theories in this field.
History of Metacognition
The term "metacognition" was coined by psychologist John H. Flavell in the 1970s. Flavell defined metacognition as the knowledge and awareness that a person has about his or her own cognitive processes. That is, a person's ability to supervise, regulate and control their mental processes during the performance of a task.
Although Flavell was the first to coin the term, interest in metacognition dates back to Aristotle. , who in his work "Nichomachean Ethics" spoke about the importance of knowing oneself. In the Western philosophical tradition, reflection on one's own mind and cognitive processes has been a recurring theme throughout history.
Definition of Metacognition
Metacognition refers to a person's ability to be aware of and regulate their own cognitive processes. It involves the ability to monitor and control one's own thinking, as well as the ability to plan, evaluate, and reflect on the strategies used to carry out a cognitive task.
Simply put, metacognition involves "thinking." about one's own thinking". This ability has important implications in learning, since it allows people to adapt their cognitive strategies to improve their performance in different tasks.
Theories of Metacognition
There are several theories that seek explain how metacognition works and what the mental processes involved in this skill are. Below, we present some of the most influential theories in this field:
Theory of Metacognition as a Two-Way Process
According to this theory, proposed by Nelson and Narens in the 1970s 1990, metacognition involves two distinct but interrelated cognitive processes. On the one hand, there is declarative knowledge about one's own cognitive abilities and limitations (metacognitive knowledge). On the other hand, there is the ability to monitor and control cognitive processes in real time (metacognitive control).
This theory suggests that metacognition is not a unitary skill, but rather involves a series of complex processes that They interact with each other to regulate cognitive activity.
Theory of Metacognition based on Mental Models
Another important theory in the study of metacognition is the one proposed by Koriat in the 2000s. According to this theory, metacognition is based on the construction and use of mental models that represent both the cognitive task and the cognitive processes themselves.
Mental models allow people to predict their performance on a task, Monitor your progress and adjust your cognitive strategies based on task demands. This theory emphasizes the importance of mental representation in metacognition and suggests that individuals actively use these models to regulate their cognitive activity.
Social Metacognition Theory
Finally, the Social metacognition theory proposes that metacognition is influenced by social and contextual factors. According to this theory, social interactions, cultural norms, and social expectations can influence the way people monitor, regulate, and control their cognitive processes.
This theory highlights the importance of considering the social context. in the study of metacognition and suggests that people can adapt their metacognitive strategies based on social and cultural demands.
Conclusions
In conclusion, metacognition is a fundamental concept in psychology that refers to people's ability to be aware of and regulate their own cognitive processes. Throughout history, various theorists have explored this skill from different perspectives, which has given rise to complex theories that seek to explain how metacognition works in practice.
Understanding metacognition is crucial to improving metacognition. learning and decision making, as it allows us to reflect on our own mental processes and adapt our cognitive strategies to achieve better results. In the future, research in this field is likely to continue to advance, providing new insights into how the human mind works and how we can use metacognition to boost our cognitive abilities.