Metacognition as discrimination: commentary on Smith et al. (2014)

J Comp Psychol. 2014 May;128(2):135-7; discussion 140-2. doi: 10.1037/a0034412.

Abstract

Smith, Couchman, and Beran (2014, pp. 115-131) critique recent "low-level" associative process models of nonhuman metacognition. We agree with many aspects of their critique. However, the alternative account they offer may not help specify the mechanisms of metacognition. We propose a middle-ground approach, based on the methods of comparative psychophysics, by which metacognition is treated as a discrimination problem.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Psychology, Comparative / standards*
  • Uncertainty*