Authenticity matters more than intelligence and personality in predicting metacognition

Abstract

Purpose

Metacognition – or learning how to learn – is an important competence in business and academic settings. The purpose of this paper is to examine individual difference predictors of metacognition, including two traditional (general mental ability (GMA), five-factor model (FFM) personality traits) ones, and a novel one, individual authenticity.

Design/methodology/approach

Volunteers (n=243) were asked to rate the extent to which they agreed with the respective statements on a seven-point Likert-type scale for GMA, FFM personality traits, and authenticity measures. Data were collected at different points in time to introduce psychological separation among the study measures.

Findings

The authors found that while metacognition is not predicted by GMA, it is positively predicted by two of the five-factor model personality traits, conscientiousness, and extraversion. More importantly, the authors examined that individuals’ authenticity – in the form of (low) self-alienation – will enhance metacognition, over-and-above the previously mentioned predictors.

Originality/value

The authors attempt to broaden the understanding of authenticity and its relationship with another important outcome construct, metacognition along with GMA and personality traits, in academic settings.

Citation

Chiaburu, D.S., Cho, I. and Gardner, R. (2015), "Authenticity matters more than intelligence and personality in predicting metacognition", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 47 No. 7, pp. 363-371. https://doi.org/10.1108/ICT-05-2015-0037