Tip-of-the-Tongue States, Déjà Vu Experiences, and Other Odd Metacognitive Experiences

TL;DRAbstract

This chapter discusses several forms of metamemory hiccups—subjective experiences that alert us to potential conflict between our metacognitive state and our memory capabilities at the moment; for example, tip-of-the-tongue states, déjà vu experiences, and blank-in-the-mind states. These states occur when we set out to accomplish a task but find ourselves with the will to complete a task but unable to recall what that task was. This chapter describes these phenomena, the research on their causes and consequences, and why they are important to our understanding of metamemory in general. These experiences can prompt us to attempt to resolve these discrepancies through metacognitive control, such as by directing attention toward information-gathering or retrieval efforts. By alerting us that something is amiss, such experiences act as early-warning systems, allowing us to monitor and control our own mental processes.

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