The Meta-Attention Knowledge Questionnaire: Validation in an Adult Sample

To understand the role of meta-attention in learning and performance, a domain specific measure of metacognition is needed. However, individuals are typically inaccurate at judging and reporting their own abilities. This is critical when considering meta-attention, as individuals who are overconfident are less likely to enact strategies to improve their cognitive control, leading to inferior learning and performance outcomes. To address these issues, we created the Adult Meta-Attention Knowledge Questionnaire (Adult-MAKQ). Investigations into the structure of the Adult-MAKQ revealed three dimensions: meta-attention control, meta-attention monitoring, and strategy knowledge. All dimensions captured distinct elements of meta-attention, demonstrating both convergent and discriminant external validity. Furthermore, as the strategy dimension was objectively scored, a cluster analysis was conducted and revealed three distinct profiles of responses: overconfident, underconfident and low functioning groups. Future research is needed to investigate potential behavioural and neural differences between these groups, and relationships to performance.