Quantum formalism to describe binocular rivalry

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum formalism to model subjective perception, specifically binocular rivalry, successfully matching experimental data and providing new insights into perceptual dynamics.

Contribution

It applies quantum measurement formalism to describe the psychophysical process of perception, offering a novel mathematical framework for binocular rivalry.

Findings

Quantum formalism accurately predicts dominance duration distributions.

The model explains increased dominance durations with stimulus interruption.

Provides testable predictions for perceptual timing alterations.

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.