Validation of the Mizan Meta-Memory and Meta-Concentration Scale for Students (MMSS) among Nigerian health care students

Abstract

Meta-memory and meta-concentration play crucial roles in self-regulating cognitive processes, influencing learning and problem-solving abilities. The Mizan Meta-Memory and Meta-Concentration Scale for Students (MMSS) was developed as a concise tool to assess students’ perceptions of their meta-memory and meta-concentration abilities, rather than cognitive performance itself. However, its applicability to Nigerian healthcare students has not been examined. Given the rigorous cognitive demands of medical education, this study aims to validate the MMSS among Nigerian healthcare students, with a focus on its psychometric properties and reliability. A cross-sectional study using simple random sampling was conducted among 299 healthcare students (Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy) at the University of Ibadan. Participants completed an online survey containing the MMSS, a nine-item questionnaire divided into two subscales: meta-memory and meta-concentration. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to assess construct validity, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to determine model fit. The MMSS demonstrated strong internal consistency both for the MMSS global and subscales (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.875, 0.808, 0.857; McDonald’s omega = 0.871, 0.805, 0.859). EFA confirmed a two-factor structure, with the meta-memory subscale explaining 50.26% of the variance and the meta-concentration subscale accounting for 12.78%. CFA results indicated an acceptable model fit (CFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.959, RMSEA = 0.066, SRMR = 0.041, χ²/df < 2.284, PCLOSE = 0.127), supporting the scale’s validity. The MMSS was found to be a reliable measure of cognitive self-regulation among Nigerian healthcare students. The findings support the use of the MMSS as a valid and reliable measure of self-perceived metacognitive regulation among Nigerian healthcare students. Its application in educational settings may enhance strategies for learning and self-regulation. Given its strong psychometric properties, the MMSS can be applied in educational settings to enhance learning strategies and cognitive self-regulation.