Scott examines psychological phenomena attributed to the unconscious mind, noting many have failed to replicate, and suggests a shift away from the power of the unconscious in psychological research.

Scott Alexander critiques a study on gender gaps in academia, arguing it ignores actual measures of ability which better explain the disparities.

Scott Alexander critiques a study suggesting knowledge of ApoE4 gene status affects memory performance, arguing the results may be due to priming or stereotype threat rather than actual memory decline.

Scott argues that affirmations (repeatedly stating goals aloud) might actually work based on evidence that subconscious beliefs affect success and that verbal repetition influences subconscious beliefs, though he acknowledges this needs proper scientific study.