Volume 10, Issue 1 p. 39-44
Article

Linking Executive Functions and Procedural Metacognition

Claudia M. Roebers

Corresponding Author

Claudia M. Roebers

University of Bern

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Claudia M. Roebers, University of Bern, Hochschulzentrum vonRoll, Fabrikstrasse 8, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; e-mail: [email protected].Search for more papers by this author
Emanuel Feurer

Emanuel Feurer

University of Bern

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First published: 25 November 2015
Citations: 43
Claudia M. Roebers, Emanuel Feurer, University of Bern.
We thank our colleagues Nesrin Destan and Manuela Spiess for the fruitful discussions while preparing this article.

Abstract

Traditionally, researchers have discussed executive function and metacognition independently. However, more recently, theoretical frameworks linking these two groups of higher order cognitive processes have been advanced. In this article, we explore the relationship between executive function and procedural metacognition, and summarize theoretical similarities. From a developmental perspective, the assumed theoretical resemblances seem to be supported, considering development trajectories and their substantial impact on areas that include learning and memory. Moreover, empirical evidence suggests direct relationships on the task level, on the level of latent variables, and in terms of involved brain regions. However, research linking the two concepts directly remains rare. We discuss evidence and developmental mechanisms, and propose ways researchers can investigate links between executive function and procedural metacognition.