Extending metacognition : an account of how procedural and analytic metacognitive processes interact with extended cognition : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between extended cognition and metacognition by way of three interlocking proposals. First of all, both extended cognition and metacognition should be conceptualised as sub-personal-level explanations that are implemented in the brain and environment and in cultural practices that inform individual skill. Secondly, the procedural metacognition norm of fluency, analytic metacognition, and cognitive skill mutually reinforce and enrich each other when dealing with cognitive obstacles. Finally, my third claim, builds on and refines claims one and two when I examine the involvement of metacognition in relation to expertise; specifically, I focus on the skilled interplay of automaticity and metacognitive control when confronted with cognitive obstacles. To this end, I build on hybrid accounts of skilled cognitive performance to provide a framework that isolates cases of metacognitive extension. This thesis concludes that metacognition, rather than being viewed as wholly internal, can be partially externalised across the environment when the individual exhibits high levels of automaticity and control when using an artefact.