Metacomprehension of text material

Two experiments investigated Ss' ability to predict future multiple-choice test performance after reading sections of text. In Exp I, 30 undergraduates who scored above median test performance showed some accuracy in their predictions of that test performance. They gave higher mean ratings to material related to correct than to incorrect test answers. Ss who scored below median test performance did not show this prediction accuracy. The retention interval between reading and the test was manipulated in Exp II, in which 46 undergraduates who were tested after at least a 24-hr delay showed results identical to those of Ss in Exp I. However, when Ss were tested immediately after reading, Ss above and below median test performance gave accurate predictions for the 1st immediate test. In contrast, both types of Ss gave inaccurate predictions for the 2nd immediate test. Structural variables such as length, serial position, and hierarchical level of the sections of text were related to Ss' predictions. (20 ref)