Beyond the Prompt: Retrieval-Based Monitoring Happens Spontaneously When Making Study Decisions

Metacognitive monitoring supports self-regulated learning by guiding control processes, impacting outcomes. This study examined whether retrieval-based monitoring happened spontaneously during study-decision making. Across three experiments, results revealed retrieval occurs spontaneously during control, supported by eye-tracking evidence, though less frequently than with explicit prompts, highlighting implications for learning and education.