Evidence for Distinct Accuracy and Error Factors in Metacognitive Monitoring

• In Event: 49.088 - Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: 49.088-20 - Topics in Cognition

Abstract

We examined the latent structure of metacognitive monitoring judgments using confirmatory factor analysis to compare five competing theoretical models. Research subjects completed three different 15-item tests of vocabulary knowledge, probability estimation, and visual-spatial reasoning using a paper folding test. Of the five models, the two-factor General Monitoring Model provided the best fit and smallest residuals. First-order accuracy factors for each test loaded on a second-order general accuracy factor. In addition, two first-order error factors corresponding to over- and underconfidence loaded on a general second-order error factor. These findings suggested that two different types of cognitive processes contribute to metacognitive monitoring: one associated with general accuracy, and one associated with error that is inversely related to general accuracy.

Authors

• Antonio P. Gutierrez, Georgia Southern University

• Fred Kuch, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Gregory John Schraw, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Aaron S. Richmond, Metropolitan State College of Denver