What term describes awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes?

The term that describes awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes is metacognition. Metacognition involves being aware of how you think, learn, and problem-solve. It includes the ability to monitor and regulate one's cognitive processes, which is essential for effective learning and decision-making. Individuals who practice metacognition are able to assess their understanding of material, differentiate between what they know and what they need to learn, and apply appropriate strategies to improve their learning.

Introspection refers more to the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings, rather than a broader awareness of cognitive processes. Self-awareness is a related concept but focuses more generally on understanding oneself, including emotions and personality, rather than specifically on cognitive processes. Critical thinking encompasses the evaluation and analysis of information but is not limited to one's own thought processes and lacks the emphasis on self-reflection that metacognition holds. Therefore, metacognition is the most accurate term for describing the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes.