Quantum formalism for cognitive psychology

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum formalism to model cognitive states and decision-making, linking quantum dynamics with Bayesian updating and offering a novel perspective beyond classical reasoning in psychology.

Contribution

It presents a quantum-based framework for cognitive modeling that aligns with the free energy principle and extends beyond classical theories.

Findings

Quantum formalism models cognitive states effectively.

Quantum dynamics correspond to Bayesian updating.

Provides new insights into cognitive behavior explanation.

Abstract

The cognitive state of mind concerning a range of choices to be made can effectively be modelled in terms of an element of a high-dimensional Hilbert space. The dynamics of the state of mind resulting form information acquisition is characterised by the von Neumann-L\"uders projection postulate of quantum theory. This is shown to give rise to an uncertainty-minimising dynamical behaviour equivalent to the Bayesian updating, hence providing an alternative approach to characterising the dynamics of cognitive state that is consistent with the free energy principle in brain science. The quantum formalism however goes beyond the range of applicability of classical reasoning in explaining cognitive behaviours, thus opens up new and intriguing possibilities.