What is metacognition?

Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It involves recognizing how you think, learn, and remember, as well as being able to evaluate and regulate these processes to improve learning and problem-solving skills. This self-reflective aspect of thinking allows individuals to monitor their cognitive activities, making it possible to adjust strategies for better outcomes, such as when studying or solving problems.

In contrast, the other options describe different cognitive or emotional functions. The process of remembering pertains specifically to the act of recalling information rather than understanding one's thinking. The ability to learn from experience focuses on applying past knowledge to new situations, which, while related to metacognitive processes, does not capture the self-awareness component that defines metacognition. Understanding emotions relates to emotional intelligence rather than cognitive awareness. Thus, awareness of one's own thought processes is the most accurate definition of metacognition.