Metacognition: computation, biology and function

Abstract

Many complex systems maintain a self-referential check and balance. In animals, such reflective monitoring and control processes have been grouped under the rubric of metacognition. In this introductory article to a Theme Issue on metacognition, we review recent and rapidly progressing developments from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, computer science and philosophy of mind. While each of these areas is represented in detail by individual contributions to the volume, we take this opportunity to draw links between disciplines, and highlight areas where further integration is needed. Specifically, we cover the definition, measurement, neurobiology and possible functions of metacognition, and assess the relationship between metacognition and consciousness. We propose a framework in which level of representation, order of behaviour and access consciousness are orthogonal dimensions of the conceptual landscape.

Figure 1.

A three-dimensional map of the conceptual landscape in metacognition research. There are potential dissociations between levels of representation, orders of behaviour and access consciousness. Stars indicate our best guess of where some of the theories and measures outlined in this overview are situated in this landscape. 1, ‘direct translation’ models of decision confidence [7]; 2, representational–redescription theory of consciousness [8]; 3, first-order responses to a suprathreshold stimulus. It remains an empirical question as to the degree of independence between the dimensions sketched here.