We know what stops you from thinking forever: A metacognitive perspective.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Metacognition
• Dual-Process Theory

Background:

• Dual-process theories propose fast and slow thinking systems.
• De Neys's model offers a framework for understanding reasoning.
• Existing models may not fully capture the complexity of mental effort regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address omissions in De Neys's dual-process model from a metacognitive viewpoint.
• To review key meta-reasoning processes involved in mental effort.
• To highlight factors influencing mental effort regulation.

Main Methods:

• Commentary and review of existing literature.
• Analysis of metacognitive monitoring and control processes.
• Consideration of individual, developmental, and task design factors.

Main Results:

• De Neys's model omits crucial metacognitive monitoring (e.g., confidence) and control (e.g., rethinking) processes.
• These metacognitive processes are vital for regulating mental effort.
• Individual, developmental, and task design factors significantly impact effort regulation.

Conclusions:

• Metacognitive processes are essential for a comprehensive understanding of fast-and-slow thinking.
• Future models should integrate these metacognitive elements for accurate mental effort regulation.
• Ignoring metacognition leads to incomplete explanations of reasoning and decision-making.