Semantic Differential Scale Method Can Reveal Multi-Dimensional Aspects of Mind Perception.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Philosophy of Mind

Background:

• Humans commonly attribute minds to both living and non-living entities.
• Previous research identified
• experience
• and
• agency
• as key dimensions of mind perception.
• Existing methods often require evaluating specific biological capacities, which is problematic for non-living entities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mind perception dimensions using a novel approach.
• To determine if alternative dimensions can be identified for mind perception.
• To assess the utility of the semantic differential scale for mind perception, especially for non-living entities.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a large-scale web survey.
• Utilized the semantic differential scale method.
• Assessed mind perception without querying specific mental capacities.

Main Results:

• Identified two primary dimensions of mind perception: "emotion" and "intelligence."
• "Emotion" corresponded to the previously identified "experience" dimension.
• "Intelligence" corresponded to the previously identified "agency" dimension.
• The semantic differential scale proved effective in assessing mind perception.

Conclusions:

• The dimensions of "emotion" and "intelligence" offer a robust framework for understanding mind perception.
• The semantic differential scale is a valuable tool for assessing mind perception, particularly for entities lacking biological capacities.
• This approach facilitates a more nuanced understanding of how humans attribute minds to diverse entities.