Substitution test

When This Fires

• Before major life decisions that align with what your peer group is doing
• When a choice feels obviously right but you can't articulate reasons independent of "everyone does this"
• During values audits (Audit beliefs for algorithmic origins — positions acquired…) when checking beliefs for social origins
• Complements Separate reasoning from credentials (separate reasoning from credentials) with the reference-group conformity version

Common Failure Mode

Asking the question and rationalizing: "I'd still want to buy a house even if no one else was, because [reasons]." Test the reasons: are they specific to your situation, or are they the same reasons everyone in your reference group gives? If the reasons are generic and shared across the group, they may be socially transmitted rationalizations rather than independent analysis.

The Protocol

(1) For any significant decision that aligns with your reference group's behavior, ask: "If my reference group did the opposite — if they all chose differently and thought my choice was strange — would I still choose this?" (2) If yes with specific, personal reasons → the decision is autonomous. Proceed with confidence. (3) If no or uncertain → the decision may be conformity-driven. Before proceeding, develop reasons that are specific to your unique situation, not reasons that apply to everyone in your group. (4) If you can't develop personal reasons → the decision is primarily social. Either develop genuine personal reasoning or acknowledge that you're choosing to conform (which is a valid choice, but should be conscious).