What aspect of cognitive function is often linked with metacognition?

Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes. This concept encompasses the ability to monitor and regulate one's cognitive activities, such as recognizing which strategies are effective for learning, assessing one’s comprehension of information, and adjusting one’s approach to problem-solving accordingly.

Self-awareness of thought processes is a critical aspect of metacognition, as it allows individuals to step back and evaluate how they think, what they know, and how they learn. This self-reflective quality is essential for improving learning outcomes and cognitive performance, as it enables learners to identify strengths and weaknesses in their cognitive strategies.

In contrast, understanding emotions, judgment and decision-making, and physical coordination do not directly relate to the self-assessment of cognitive function and awareness that defines metacognition. While these aspects can influence cognitive processes, they do not capture the essence of metacognitive skills, which are centered on awareness and regulation of one's thinking.