metamemory
Knowledge and awareness of one's own memory abilities, strategies, and limitations.
Full Definition
Metamemory refers to an individual's knowledge, awareness, and beliefs about their own memory functioning, including understanding of memory strategies, monitoring of learning progress, and accurate prediction of memory performance. This metacognitive component involves the ability to assess whether information has been adequately learned, to predict future recall success, and to implement appropriate memory strategies. Metamemory deficits are common following traumatic brain injury and in various dementias, often manifesting as poor insight into memory limitations or overconfidence in memory abilities.
Usage
Usage note: Important to assess in rehabilitation planning and treatment compliance.
In Context
- "The patient's poor metamemory led to unrealistic expectations about his ability to remember appointments." — rehabilitation planning assessment