Commentary
Toward a Cognitive Neuroscience of Metacognition

https://doi.org/10.1006/ccog.2000.0450Get rights and content

Abstract

The relationship between metacognition and executive control is explored. According to an analysis by Fernandez-Duque, Baird, and Posner (this issue), metacognitive regulation involves attention, conflict resolution, error correction, inhibitory control, and emotional regulation. These aspects of metacognition are presumed to be mediated by a neural circuit involving midfrontal brain regions. An evaluation of the proposal by Fernandez-Duque et al. is made, and it is suggested that there is considerable convergence of issues associated with metacognition, executive control, working memory, and frontal lobe function. By integrating these domains and issues, significant progress could be made toward a cognitive neuroscience of metacognition.

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    Commentary on D. Fernandez-Duque, J. A. Baird, and M. I. Posner (2000). Executive attention and metacognitive regulation. Consciousness and Cognition,9(2), 288–307. This article is part of a special issue of this journal on Metacognition and Consciousness, with Thomas O. Nelson and Georges Rey as Guest Editors.

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