Quantum Models of Cognition and Decision
Quantum Models of Cognition and Decision
Peter D. Bruza, Queensland University of Technology
Much of our understanding of human thinking is based on probabilistic models. This innovative book by Jerome R. Busemeyer and Peter D. Bruza argues that, actually, the underlying mathematical structures from quantum theory provide a much better account of human thinking than traditional models. They introduce the foundations for modelling probabilistic-dynamic systems using two aspects of quantum theory. The first, 'contextuality', is a way to understand interference effects found with inferences and decisions under conditions of uncertainty. The second, 'quantum entanglement', allows cognitive phenomena to be modeled in non-reductionist ways. Employing these principles drawn from quantum theory allows us to view human cognition and decision in a totally new light. Introducing the basic principles in an easy-to-follow way, this book does not assume a physics background or a quantum brain and comes complete with a tutorial and fully worked-out applications in important areas of cognition and decision.
- Proposes a new way to build probabilistic and dynamic models of cognition and decision, challenging the traditional concepts of logic and probability theory
- Applies mathematical principles from quantum theory to cognitive and decision sciences - one of the first attempts to apply principles of quantum theory to fields outside of physics
- Includes an elementary tutorial of fundamental ideas; detailed applications to empirical findings; and computer programming code for many of the computational examples using MATLAB
Reviews & endorsements
"This is the first book putting forward the main scientific results of an intriguing and promising new research domain called 'quantum cognition.' In this emergent field, the mathematical structure of quantum theory is employed to model essential aspects of human cognition impossible to be modeled properly within classical approaches. The authors are both engaged intensively in quantum cognition and wrote a high-quality and well-understandable treatise showing how this new approach carries the potential of a real breakthrough, with deep implications for how cognition will be looked upon in the decades to come. The approach may also signify a thorough new opening to the old problem of artificial intelligence and the structuring of semantics."
--Diederik Aerts, Center Leo Apostel for Interdisciplinary Studies, Brussels Free University
"This book is about why and how formal structures of quantum theory are essential for psychology - a breakthrough resolving long-standing problems and suggesting novel routes for future research, convincingly presented by two main experts in the field."
--Harald Atmanspacher, Department of Theory and Data Analysis, Institut fuer Grenzgebiete der Psychologie und Psychohygiene e.V.
"Mathematical models of cognition so often seem like mere formal exercises. Quantum theory is a rare exception. Without sacrificing formal rigor, it captures deep insights about the workings of the mind with elegant simplicity. This book promises to revolutionize the way we think about thinking."
--Steven Sloman, Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University
"...The title grabs the reader’s attention.... The presentation is clear and self-contained, requiring no prior knowledge of quantum mechanics on the part of the reader. Every serious researcher in cognitive science needs to engage with this volume."
--Dr. H. Van Dyke Parunak, Computing Reviews
"The book is intended for anyone who is interested in this topic, and does not presume any preliminary knowledge. It includes a detailed introduction to the corresponding quantum physics, along with a detailed description of the corresponding psychological experiments.... It is very thought-provoking, a must-read for anyone interested in understanding human behavior and human judgments..."
--V. Ya. Kreinovich, Mathematical Reviews
Product details
June 2014Paperback
9781107419889
424 pages
229 × 152 × 22 mm
0.57kg
54 b/w illus. 20 tables
Temporarily unavailable - available from TBC
Table of Contents
- 1. Why use quantum theory for cognition and decision? Some compelling reasons
- 2. What is quantum theory? An elementary introduction
- 3. What can quantum theory predict? Predicting question order effects on attitudes
- 4. How to apply quantum theory? Accounting for human probability judgment errors
- 5. Quantum inspired models of concept combination
- 6. An application of quantum theory to conjoint memory recognition
- 7. Quantum-like models of human semantic space
- 8. What about quantum dynamics? More advanced principles
- 9. What is the quantum advantage? Applications to decision making
- 10. How to model human information processing using quantum information theory
- 11. Can quantum systems learn? Quantum updating
- 12. What are the future prospects for quantum cognition and decision?
