Use of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Explore Metacognitive Ability and Academic Score

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have reported the important roles of the precuneus in mediating metacognition and the prefrontal cortex in decision-making tasks. However, the underlying mechanisms of metacognition are still not fully elucidated. Long echo time proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to further explore the neurocognitive correlates of metacognition. Methods: Metacognition was based on a self-report questionnaire of nursing students. Magnetic resonance (MR) spectra were recorded from bilateral precuneus and medial prefrontal cortex. Results: Significant positive correlation was discovered between total metacognitive score and academic score (p = 0.007). Precuneus N-acetyl aspartate/creatine plus phosphocreatine (NAA/Cr+PCr) ratios were corresponded to metacognitive ability. Moreover, the correlation between precuneus NAA/Cr+PCr ratios and metacognitive ability was established for the right precuneus and not left precuneus. Furthermore, linear regression suggested that for every increase in the right precuneus NAA/Cr+PCr ratios, there is a predicted decrease in total metacognitive score (p = 0.020). Conclusions: These findings further indicated that the right precuneal region plays an important role in metacognition and learning.