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Summary of Leverage Introspection Research
An overview of Leverage's introspection findings from 2012-2019. Presents a physics, chemistry, biology, and ecology of the mind while summarizing the main findings. The best available piece on the topic, as of late 2024.
What an Actual Science of the Mind Would Look Like
To imagine a science of the mind, it is helpful to consider different views of science, the history of psychology, and the paths taken by previous successful sciences. Every new science gives surprising and unprecedented power; an actual science of the mind will do so as well.
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The Muscle-Readers, a Historical Sketch
Researchers in the late 19th and early 20th century discovered evidence that people can sometimes "read" information about others' thoughts and inclinations from muscle tension, unconscious vocalizations, and other subtle clues. A historical sketch, published in the Seeds of Science.
Research Report: Intellectual Processes
One way to enhance discourse is to introduce discussion of the mental processes participants use to reach given conclusions. The first success in a string of attempts to improve Leverage researchers' ability to reach consensus on important matters. Research from September 2013 and following, publication in October 2021.
Chart Logic & Core Mechanics
Information obtained from introspective verbal reports can be organized into a "chart." Charts have an internal logic which make it easier to induce and track belief changes. Chart Logic and Core Mechanics was produced at the peak of Leverage's introspection research program as a guide to charts and some belief update dynamics.
Introspection Safety for Researchers
Researchers who investigate the mind using introspective methods like belief reporting should be apprised of the risks. This document describes conditions under which introspection is not recommended, possible deleterious effects, and includes a brief review of the introspection risk literature.
On Intention Research
"Intention research" is a domain of research that focuses on subtle non-verbal communication. Starting in 2017, Leverage's researchers found evidence of substantial non-verbal communication, especially around mental content that is difficult to pay attention to.
How to Belief Report
A description of "belief reporting," an introspective method that involves holding the intention to tell the truth. Many people can belief report easily; many others, though not everyone, can learn with relative ease. Leverage's researchers found that belief reporting yielded reliable verbal reports of beliefs.