Final answer:
Metamemory refers to one's personal knowledge of their own memory system, including how it functions and the ability to regulate and optimize memory performance. It is essential for selecting effective strategies for learning and recalling information and is connected with cognitive psychology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to one's personal knowledge of their own memory system is known as metamemory. Metamemory includes the understanding and awareness of how memory functions and one's own ability to use these concepts to regulate and improve memory performance.
This concept is key in the context of cognitive psychology, a field which explores internal mental processes such as memory, thinking, and problem-solving.
Metamemory involves various aspects of memory, including the monitoring and active regulation of memory processes. It can be associated with the use of various memory-enhancing strategies and awareness of potential errors that can occur in memory, such as false memory syndrome, misattribution, and the misinformation effect.
The knowledge of one's memory capabilities and limitations can influence their use of mnemonic devices, the levels of processing they apply to information, and their approach to tasks requiring recall or recognition.
Understanding metamemory is vital as it can impact educational techniques, skills in various professions, and everyday memory-related tasks. Awareness of one's metamemory can lead to the selection of more effective strategies for learning and remembering, which are especially important in academic and professional settings.