Description

Introduces principles drawn from quantum theory to present a new framework for modeling human cognition and decision. Much of our understanding of human thinking is based on probabilistic models. By using principles drawn from quantum theory to provide the foundations for modeling probabilistic-dynamic systems, the authors open a new frontier for modeling cognitive phenomena and human decision making. Much of our understanding of human thinking is based on probabilistic models. By using principles drawn from quantum theory to provide the foundations for modeling probabilistic-dynamic systems, the authors open a new frontier for modeling cognitive phenomena and human decision making. 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 modeling 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. 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? '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, Brown University, Rhode Island '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, Institut fuer Grenzgebiete der Psychologie und Psychohygiene e.V. '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 modelled properly within c