Which term describes thinking about one's own thinking?

Which term describes thinking about one's own thinking?

• A. Hypothetical thinking
• B. Imaginative thinking
• C. Theory of mind
• D. Metacognition

Answer: (D)

Metacognition is thinking about one's own thinking. It means being aware of what you know, what you don’t know, and how you learn, plus actively planning, monitoring, and adjusting your approach as you work. For example, when you pause to check if you understood a question, decide which steps to take, or change strategies because something isn’t making sense, you’re using metacognitive skills. Hypothetical thinking is about considering possibilities that aren’t real or might happen, imaginative thinking involves creating new images or ideas, and theory of mind is about understanding that other people have their own thoughts and beliefs. Metacognition specifically targets your own cognitive processes, not possibilities, imagination, or others’ minds, making it the best fit.

Metacognition is thinking about one's own thinking. It means being aware of what you know, what you don’t know, and how you learn, plus actively planning, monitoring, and adjusting your approach as you work. For example, when you pause to check if you understood a question, decide which steps to take, or change strategies because something isn’t making sense, you’re using metacognitive skills.

Hypothetical thinking is about considering possibilities that aren’t real or might happen, imaginative thinking involves creating new images or ideas, and theory of mind is about understanding that other people have their own thoughts and beliefs. Metacognition specifically targets your own cognitive processes, not possibilities, imagination, or others’ minds, making it the best fit.