Author: Brendan

Click to read thesis: ‘Clarifying Metacognition’

This thesis presents a novel method of modelling metacognition computationally.

Metacognition is  described as cognition acting on itself, and can improve memory, reasoning, emotional regulation, and motor skills. How it does this remains unclear. The two major barriers are: its high abstraction and disputed terminology.

To overcome these barriers this thesis employs a computational cognitive architecture to define the base units of cognition, and how they come to act on themselves. Well-defined computational units are built upon to form increasing complex metacognitive processes. These computational forms of metacognition are then connected to the research literature and built into working models in ACT-R.

The intention of this thesis is to help clarify the nature of metacognition and its underlying mechanisms.

See Brendan’s profile

 

The Spring Conference was a great success! It was a fantastic experience helping to organize the event, along with presenting my work in a 15 minute lecture to faculty and colleagues.

Thesis prospectus approved!  

Metacognitive Modeling now has the green light.

I propose to synthesize the literature on metacognition, and connect it to the cognitive ‘Common Model’ : 

                              

Really, metacognition is just “thinking about thinking.” It’s part of daily life, when we ask ourselves “Did I forget anything? Did I understand that?” Have you ever noticed a thought or emotion? That’s meta. It’s ordinary.

Metacognition also allows for higher thinking. It’s the number one predictor of learning and an indicator of business success. Hey, science itself is metacognitive. Directing our thoughts is how we uncover the secrets of the universe.

Now we’re trying to understand how. How does the mind understand itself? How can we benefit?

The problem is that it’s abstract. Metacognition remains a lonely mountain peak shrouded in fog. Yet we can shine a light onto it with cognitive modeling. This is how I aim to help research on metacognition, in a way not yet done – metacognitive modeling.

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Another update, I am honoured to be receiving the Institute of Cognitive Science departmental Teaching Assistant Excellence Award.

It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience helping so many enthusiastic students. Thank you to all my supportive and dedicated colleagues!

-Brendan C-S

 

 

 

 

 

 

After an unusually warm summer full of more work than play, I have finally settled on my thesis topic (cue trumpets). This thesis involves a life long interest of mine – metacognition.

My thesis will involve modelling metacognition within the cognitive architecture ACT-R (as developed by Robert L. West). The thesis will discuss the philosophical properties of metacognition using the cognitive architecture.  This will make for a broad and yet strong foundation for the topic, well affirmed from my discussions with Dr. West.

The applications of a metacognitive model holds many exciting possibilities, both for human and artificial agents. While this topic extends far beyond my humble thesis, I intend to help lay some of the necessary philosophical groundwork. After all, a blueprint is needed before building in stone – or silicon, anyway.

-Brendan C-S