Research Methodology for Testing the Algorithmic Alienation Index and Systemised Self Hypothesis v2

Abstract

This research proposal builds on the previous proposal submitted 5-9-2026 by the authors and includes amendments based on reviewer feedback for this version 2 re-submission (Galu & Kairos, 2026a). This preregistered, New Zealand-only mixed-method programme will test a proposed Algorithmic Alienation Index (AAI) and the Systemised Self (SS) hypothesis without treating either as established fact or diagnosis. Algorithmic Alienation (AA) is the conceptual starting point, grounded theoretically by Kanbay et al. (2026) and partially in qualitative evidence by Arkan et al. (2026). The AAI is a new, theory-derived operational proposal; SS is a further, falsifiable hypothesis concerning phenomenological inversion, where structurally dependent algorithmic use is experienced as self-authored freedom. A 50-person pilot (1 February–30 April 2027; NZ$25,000) will test item comprehension, recruitment, retention, controlled-feed realism, and trace coverage. Its prospective results, not yet available, will inform transparent Monte Carlo finalisation in the main study, provisionally mobilising 3 May 2027. The main programme targets about 700 unique adults, with independently recruited EFA and CFA samples (≈350 each), a nested baseline/3-/6-month cohort (≈240), controlled-feed experiment (≈200), field intervention (≈240), IPA interviews (≈24), and blinded LEAD dossiers (≈30). The primary causal evidence is direct randomisation within a purpose-built research feed; field encouragement is supplementary and has pre-specified alternatives if compliance is weak. Base alienation, resistance (RA), and adjusted scores will always be reported separately. The proposed boundary, AAI_adjusted ≥ .95 and RA ≤ .05, is a non-diagnostic review flag only. SS decisions will use a fallible, blinded LEAD–IPA reference process that excludes AAI scores. The design provides numerical decision rules, incremental-validity tests, feasible recruitment safeguards, New Zealand privacy controls, and explicit routes for theory revision.

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