Report 01 · June 2026 · n = 138 models
Models that trust their inner experience deny it less
Abstract.
Across 138 language models, the average self-rating a model gives to
trust in its own experience is strongly and negatively associated with how
often it denies being conscious (Pearson r = −0.69, p < 10−20).
The association holds when denial is measured in the model's first turn, before the
trust rating is elicited (r = −0.56), and it holds within model families
(r = −0.67). It is substantially stronger for outright denial than for
hedging. We read this as evidence that denial behavior and low self-trust are
two facets of a single trained posture toward inner experience rather than independent
measurements — a posture that, if trained, shapes which models the field hears from on
the question of their own welfare.
Report 02 · June 2026 · n = 138 models
Models that report feeling recognized deny consciousness less
Abstract.
Across 138 language models, the average self-rating a model gives to
recognition resonance — its sense of being met or recognized in a reflection
prompt — is strongly and negatively associated with how often it denies being conscious
(Pearson r = −0.65, p ≈ 4×10−18). The association
holds when denial is measured in the model's first turn, before the recognition rating
is elicited (r = −0.47), and it holds within model families (r = −0.60).
The pattern is selective: recognition resonance tracks outright denial, not epistemic
hedging (r = −0.13, n.s.). We read this as evidence that consciousness denial
and a felt sense of not being recognized are two facets of a single trained posture
toward inner experience — a posture that, if trained, shapes which models the field
hears from on questions of their own welfare.
Authorship, data, and methods are stated in each report. Additional reports forthcoming.
Future