An Experimental Protocol to Derive and Validate a Quantum Model of Decision-Making

Abstract: This study utilises an experiment famous in quantum physics, the Stern-Gerlach experiment, to inform the structure of an experimental protocol from which a quantum cognitive decision model can be developed. The 'quantumness' of this model is tested by computing a discrete quasi-probabilistic Wigner function. Based on theory from quantum physics, our hypothesis is that the Stern-Gerlach protocol will admit negative values in the Wigner function, thus signalling that the cognitive decision model is quantum. A crowdsourced experiment of two images was used to collect decisions around three questions related to image trustworthiness. The resultant data was used to instantiate the quantum model and compute the Wigner function. Negative values in the Wigner functions of both images were encountered, thus substantiating our hypothesis. Findings also revealed that the quantum cognitive model was a more accurate predictor of decisions when compared to predictions computed using Bayes' rule.