Quantum formalism to describe binocular rivalry
arXiv Preprint Archive September 28, 2007 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA mathematical formalism based on quantum measurement theory can describe the subjective experience of perception. The theory models the psychophysical dynamics of cognitive experience as reported by subjects. Applied to binocular rivalry, where perception alternates between two competing images, the formalism uses known neuronal oscillation frequencies and firing rates to calculate the probability distribution of dominance duration. The calculated distribution matches experimental data across various conditions. The theory also explains the observed increase in dominance duration when the stimulus is periodically interrupted and makes testable predictions about the timing of perceptual switches.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Q-bio.nc |
| Key finding | Proposes that quantum measurement formalism can describe the dynamics of subjective perception and yields calculated probability distributions of dominance duration in binocular rivalry that agree with experimental data. |
Abstract
On the basis of the general character and operation of the process of perception, a formalism is sought to mathematically describe the subjective or abstract/mental process of perception. It is shown that the formalism of orthodox quantum theory of measurement, where the observer plays a key role, is a broader mathematical foundation which can be adopted to describe the dynamics of the subjective experience. The mathematical formalism describes the psychophysical dynamics of the subjective or cognitive experience as communicated to us by the subject. Subsequently, the formalism is used to describe simple perception processes and, in particular, to describe the probability distribution of dominance duration obtained from the testimony of subjects experiencing binocular rivalry. Using this theory and parameters based on known values of neuronal oscillation frequencies and firing rates, the calculated probability distribution of dominance duration of rival states in binocular rivalry under various conditions is found to be in good agreement with available experimental data. This theory naturally explains an observed marked increase in dominance duration in binocular rivalry upon periodic interruption of stimulus and yields testable predictions for the distribution of perceptual alteration in time.