engleski

The accuracy of metacognitive judgments in syllogistic reasoning

We carry out or withhold from actions whose utility depends on our judgements being accurate. Cognitive models suggest that such decisions are carried out when metacognitive confidence in the presumed state exceeds a decision control criteria.Little work has been done, however, to determine whether robust individual differences in decision behaviour can be explained by individual differences in metacognitive monitoring and control. Undergraduate students (N=364) completed nine tests assessing fluid and crystallized cognitive abilities, indicated confidence levels in their answers, and made state-dependent decisions on each answer (e.g., submit for marking or not). The nature and quality of individuals' decisions were described with novel Decision Pattern Analysis metrics: competence, optimality, recklessness, hesitancy and decisiveness. In line with cognitive theories, the relative standing of individuals' decision optimality was predicted and manipulated by changes in the cognitive requirements of the task, while individuals' standings on the other decision metrics were predicted and manipulated by changes to the nature of the decision, which influenced individuals' metacognitive variables. Personality variables made no contribution to the results. The results demonstrate how individual differences in state-dependent decision making can be explained by differences in cognition, monitoring and control.

metacognition, syllogistic reasoning, judgment accuracy, answer consensuality

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