How is metacognition best defined?

Metacognition is best defined as "knowing about knowing," which encapsulates the idea of being aware of and understanding one's own thought processes. This includes not only the ability to reflect on what you know and how you learn, but also involves the regulation of cognitive activities in learning. For instance, metacognition allows individuals to assess their comprehension and performance, enabling them to adapt their strategies for more effective learning.

In the context of the other options, thinking about others' thoughts primarily relates to social cognition and theory of mind, which focuses on understanding others' perspectives rather than one's own cognitive processes. Analyzing cognitive strategies could touch on certain aspects of metacognition, but it does not capture the broader idea of self-awareness regarding one’s own knowledge. Memorizing information is a fundamental cognitive task but lacks the reflective component inherent to metacognitive understanding. The essence of metacognition lies in this self-regulation and awareness of one's cognition rather than simple recollection or analysis of strategies.