Final answer:
Metacognition is the self-reflective process of thinking about thinking that engages higher-order thinking skills. It allows individuals to monitor and regulate their cognition, aiding in overcoming cognitive biases and bolstering critical reflection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metacognition refers to the process of thinking about thinking. It involves a self-reflective capacity that engages higher-order thinking skills, beyond the straightforward cognition or first-order thinking that includes processes such as perception, problem-solving, and memory. Metacognition allows an individual to monitor, regulate, and critically analyze their thought processes, leading to greater self-awareness and control over cognitive biases that might otherwise influence decision-making.
Engaging in metacognitive practices involves activities such as checking, planning, inferring, and self-interrogating to develop rational, abstract thinking useful in various fields, including philosophy and critical reflection. Building good study habits can foster metacognition by creating the mental space needed for critical reflection. Reducing stress, allowing ample time for thought, and minimizing distractions can significantly improve one’s capacity to think metacognitively.
Practices that encourage metacognition include reflecting on one's understanding and maintaining a self-aware learning process. To counteract cognitive biases, it is essential to understand why they occur and to consistently apply effortful attention towards reflective, critical thinking, rather than succumbing to automatic, error-prone thinking.