54 research outputs found
Quantum Zeno Features of Bistable Perception
A generalized quantum theoretical framework, not restricted to the validity
domain of standard quantum physics, is used to model the dynamics of the
bistable perception of ambiguous visual stimuli. The central idea is to treat
the perception process in terms of the evolution of an unstable two-state
quantum system, yielding a quantum Zeno type of effect. A quantitative relation
between the involved time scales is theoretically derived. This relation is
found to be satisfied by empirically obtained cognitive time scales relevant
for bistable perception.Comment: 19 pages, 1 figur
Generalized Quantum Theory: Overview and Latest Developments
The main formal structures of Generalized Quantum Theory are summarized.
Recent progress has sharpened some of the concepts, in particular the notion of
an observable, the action of an observable on states (putting more emphasis on
the role of proposition observables), and the concept of generalized
entanglement. Furthermore, the active role of the observer in the structure of
observables and the partitioning of systems is emphasized.Comment: 14 pages, update in reference
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Zeno’s paradox in decision making
Classical probability theory has been influential in modeling decision processes, despite empirical findings that have been persistently paradoxical from classical perspectives. For such findings, some researchers have been successfully pursuing decision models based on quantum theory. One unique feature of quantum theory is the collapse postulate, which entails that measurements (or in decision making, judgments) reset the state to be consistent with the measured outcome. If there is quantum structure in cognition, then there has to be evidence for the collapse postulate. A striking, a priori prediction, is that opinion change will be slowed down (under idealized conditions frozen) by continuous judgments. In physics, this is the quantum Zeno effect. We demonstrate a quantum Zeno effect in decision making in humans and so provide evidence that advocates the use of quantum principles in decision theory, at least in some cases
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