Metacognition in animals: Trends and challenges

by Jonathon D. Crystal
University of Georgia

Allison L. Foote,
University of Georgia

Reading Options:

Download/Read PDF | Add to Endnote

Abstract

There is widespread agreement that metacognition is not demonstrated if alternative explanations account for putative meta cognition data. However, there is less agreement on which studies are protected from alternative explanations. We have argued that existing experiments on uncertainty monitoring can be explained by low-level explanations without assuming metacognition (Crystal & Foote, 2009). The field would benefit from the development of accepted standards for what is required to produce a convincing example of metacognition in animals.

Crystal, J. D., & Foote, A. L. (2009). Metacognition in animals: Trends and challenges. Comparative Cognition & Behavior Reviews, 4, 54-55. Retrieved from http://comparative-cognition-and-behavior-reviews.org/ doi:10.1017/S0140525X03000086