FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Who is credited with the creation of the concept of metacognition?

1. Piaget

2. Skinner

3. Flavell

4. Vygotsky

The correct answer is: Flavell

The concept of metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It encompasses the ability to monitor, control, and plan one's learning and cognitive activities. The credit for formally defining and promoting this concept is attributed to John H. Flavell, a developmental psychologist whose research significantly contributed to our understanding of how individuals think about their own thinking. Flavell's work in the 1970s highlighted the importance of metacognitive knowledge, which includes knowledge about oneself as a learner, knowledge about various strategies that can be used in learning, and knowledge about the nature of the task at hand. His contributions laid the groundwork for further research in educational psychology, emphasizing how metacognitive strategies can enhance learning and self-regulation. In contrast, while the other figures—Piaget, Skinner, and Vygotsky—made significant contributions to psychology and education, their focuses were different. Piaget is known for his theories on cognitive development in children, Skinner is associated with behaviorism and operant conditioning, and Vygotsky is recognized for his sociocultural theory emphasizing social interaction's role in cognitive development. Thus, Flavell stands out as the key figure in establishing the concept of metacognition.