Towards a cognitive agility index: The role of metacognition in human computer interaction

Abstract

Research on human factors in the cyber domain is lacking. Metacognitive awareness and regulation have been shown to be important factors in performance, but research integrating metacognitive strategies in socio-technical systems is lacking. This study aims to investigate metacognition as a potential index of evaluating individual cognitive performance in cyberspace operations. Cyber military cadets were tested during a cyber-exercise to see how metacognitive awareness and regulation influenced performance in the Hybrid Space conceptual framework. Findings suggest that metacognitive strategies could explain Hybrid Space performance outcomes and support the development of a cognitive agility index for cyber operators. Future research and training programs for cyber officers should incorporate metacognition as measurement outcomes and in training to help index development and performance.