# On Modifying a Neural Network's Perception Source: [On Modifying a Neural Network's Perception]() Collection index: [llms.txt]() Data updated: 2025-10-26T01:04:50.062Z Authors: Manuel de Sousa Ribeiro, Jo\\~ao Leite Published: 2023-03-05T12:09:37.000Z ## Abstract Artificial neural networks have proven to be extremely useful models that have allowed for multiple recent breakthroughs in the field of Artificial Intelligence and many others. However, they are typically regarded as black boxes, given how difficult it is for humans to interpret how these models reach their results. In this work, we propose a method which allows one to modify what an artificial neural network is perceiving regarding specific human-defined concepts, enabling the generation of hypothetical scenarios that could help understand and even debug the neural network model. Through empirical evaluation, in a synthetic dataset and in the ImageNet dataset, we test the proposed method on different models, assessing whether the performed manipulations are well interpreted by the models, and analyzing how they react to them. ## Recorded benchmark results A research result applies to its stated dataset, split, metric and evaluation configuration. Compare like-for-like settings, preserve the metric's unit and direction, and distinguish paper-reported results from independent reproduction. The best result recorded here is not a claim of exhaustive, current global coverage. ## Original sources and implementation [Original paper]() [PDF]()