Uncertain what uncertainty monitoring monitors

Smith et al. present a model that they suggest may clarify aspects of the phylogenetic distribution of metacognition, based on observation of what they call uncertainty monitoring. Although they suggest that their model is supported by data collected using monkeys and dolphins, their interpretation...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Behavioral and brain sciences 2003-06, Vol.26 (3), p.356-357
Main Authors: Wilkins, Victoria M., Cardaciotto, LeeAnn, Platek, Steven M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Metacognition
Phylogeny
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Smith et al. present a model that they suggest may clarify aspects of the phylogenetic distribution of metacognition, based on observation of what they call uncertainty monitoring. Although they suggest that their model is supported by data collected using monkeys and dolphins, their interpretation that nonhuman animal behaviors parallel thought processes in humans may be unwarranted. The model presented by Smith et al. is inconsistent with current theories and empirical findings on the comparative aspects of metacognition. We present three oversights of the model and extend our critique to include a brief discussion of animal self-awareness, as well as current neuropsychological perspectives on metacognitive processing in humans.
ISSN:0140-525X
1469-1825
DOI:10.1017/S0140525X0341008X