Development and validation of the multi-dimensional metamemory skills (MDMS) scale for students in an Indian sample

Metamemory refers to an individual's awareness and understanding of their memory processes. It affects various aspects of learning, including the effective use of cognitive abilities, memory monitoring, and strategy development. The majority of valid scales for assessing students' metamemory are unidimensional. This study aims to develop and validate a multidimensional metamemory scale specifically for students. A 48-item multidimensional metamemory skills (MDMS) scale was developed with six dimensions: Factual memory knowledge, Memory monitoring, Memory self-efficacy, Memory strategies, Memory-related affect, and Memory-related behavior. The reliability of the scale was established using test–retest and split-half reliability, and internal consistency was determined using Cronbach's alpha. The scale was validated using exploratory factor analysis on 647 college students from India. The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on 200 college students, which revealed a good fit for the data. Additionally, validity was established through face, content, concurrent and divergent validity. The scale's multidimensional nature enables a thorough assessment of students' metamemory skills. Additionally, the scale can be used in educational and research settings, assisting in planning interventions to improve metamemory skills in students.