Have you ever stopped to think about your thinking?
This ability, known as metacognition, is a uniquely human trait that sets us apart from animals and machines. It is the internal process that guides our thinking, feeling and behaviour.
What is Metacognition?
Metacognition is an internal monitoring system for our thoughts. It is like having an observer in our mind that observes our thought process to help us understand how we perceive and adapt to the world. It is the self-awareness of one’s own mental processes, enabling humans to intentionally shape internal thought processes and external behaviour.
Metacognition is a set of cognitive functions that can be developed, including abilities in:
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We have more control over our thinking than we might realise. When we activate our metacognition, we can become aware of our thought patterns, and therefore be able to exercise self-agency and continuously adjust our strategies to create the best possible outcomes.
Benefits of Metacognition
Metacognition lets you peek behind the curtain of your own thinking. You become aware of your thoughts, feelings, and inner motivations. You start to intentionally shape your own internal thought process and you may find it easier to regulate your external behaviour.
Metacognition allows us to…
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Do animals have Metacognition?
Excluding humans (Homo sapiens), only chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) have conclusively demonstrated metacognitive-like abilities. Many animals do not have the cognitive capability to be self-aware, including animals we have always thought of as intelligent such as pandas, octopus, Malayan sun bears, and african gray parrots. When a mirror is placed in front of them, our fellow animal friends are unable to recognise their own reflection in the classic "mirror test" (a popular way to gauge self-awareness popularised by the Rouge Test). They just can't quite unlock the higher levels of that self-recognition game. They may use tools, solve puzzles, and display highly complex emotions, but most animals do not exhibit the ability to understand themselves or their actions on a deeper level.
Do machines have Metacognition?
Machines represent the other end of the spectrum. They can be programmed to perform incredible feats - analysing vast datasets, playing complex games, even generating human-like text. However, it’s all programming code and complex mathematics – there is no human-like understanding. They can't adapt their strategies on the fly or experience emotions to create personal meaning in their actions. Just as the mirror test reveals limitations in self-recognition for some animals, the vast capabilities of machines lack the crucial element of metacognition. Fundamentally, machines have no self-awareness and therefore do not possess a sense of self that is formed from subjective experience.
Layers of Human Thinking
Though machines can seemingly “think”, humans’ thinking can be layered. We can think about what we’re thinking (2 layers); we can think about how we are thinking about what we’re thinking (3 layers) and so on. For example, decision making requires us to think about the possibilities, how to select between these possibilities and be aware of any biases or traps in the decision making process. Similarly for emotions, humans can think about how we are feeling (2 layers), and think about how we’re thinking about what we are feeling (3 layers). This ability to think in layers is called “higher-order thinking”, enabling us to question our own thought process and flexibly change our inner narrative.
Metacognition in the Face of Change
While both animals and machines have impressive skills, metacognition sets humans apart. It grants us the unique ability to be not just intelligent, but also self-aware, adaptable, and emotionally complex. This potent combination fuels our innovation, creativity, and the agility needed to navigate a world increasingly shaped by AI.
As AI continues to advance, metacognition becomes even more crucial. By cultivating our ability to think about thinking and honing higher order cognitive skills, we can safeguard our unique position in the technological landscape, ensuring that AI remains a tool that amplifies our strength, rather than a threat to humanity. Metacognition empowers us to harness the full potential of our minds, allowing us to be adaptable and resilient in the face of change.
Published on: 19 September 2024
Written by: TING Shu Jie, Aster WEI
Edited by: CHANG Yin Jue
© 2024 Centre of Applied Metacognition (CAM)
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