Priors in quantum Bayesian inference

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that in quantum Bayesian inference, the choice of prior remains crucial even with infinite measurement data, affecting conclusions significantly as shown through various examples.

Contribution

It reveals the persistent importance of priors in quantum Bayesian inference, challenging the assumption that data alone suffices with infinite measurements.

Findings

Prior influences conclusions even with infinite data

Different priors can lead to divergent inferences

Examples illustrate the ongoing role of priors in quantum inference

Abstract

In quantum Bayesian inference problems, any conclusions drawn from a finite number of measurements depend not only on the outcomes of the measurements but also on a prior. Here we show that, in general, the prior remains important even in the limit of an infinite number of measurements. We illustrate this point with several examples where two priors lead to very different conclusions given the same measurement data.