Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M2670

Metarepresentation

Metarepresentation
Learn & MetacognitionHigh supportCognitive Science
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Refers to a representation about a representation. That is, not only can one form a view of the world in the mind (first-order representation), but also think about "why do I have this view" (second-order representation).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

The examination of thought. It allows us to see not only the viewpoint but also its source (whether it is bias, hearsay, or reasoning). This is the underlying operating system of critical thinking.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Humans can form a "first-order representation" of the world in the mind, and then form a "second-order representation" about that representation (why do I think this way). This hierarchical nesting is the foundation of Theory of Mind (ToM) and critical thinking.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MetarepresentationZH · Explicit
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