What is the purpose of metacognition?

The purpose of metacognition is to engage in thinking about one’s own thinking process. This higher-order thinking skill involves awareness and understanding of one's cognitive processes, allowing individuals to monitor, control, and plan their approach to learning. By reflecting on how they think and learn, individuals can identify areas where they excel or struggle, leading to more effective study strategies and problem-solving skills. For instance, a student who recognizes that they retain information better through visual aids can adapt their study techniques accordingly.

In contrast, other options do not capture the essence of metacognition. Memorizing facts and figures focuses solely on acquiring knowledge rather than reflecting on personal thought processes. Improving sensory memory relates more to how information is initially processed rather than how it is reflected upon and evaluated after learning. Evaluating external prompts does not necessarily involve self-reflection and analysis of one’s own thought patterns, which is central to metacognitive awareness. Thus, the core function of metacognition is to enhance self-regulation and learning by considering how one thinks and learns.