The consciousness-collapse interpretation of quantum mechanics was explored by testing if human observation might act like a weak quantum measurement effect in an optical interferometer. Forty-seven participants selected via a worldwide search for individuals with experience in focusing their attention were each provided with a custom-made optical apparatus. Using this device, they ran a preassigned series of test sessions to see if illumination recorded in a portion of the interference pattern would be affected when a feedback signal based on that measure was observed versus unobserved. Another portion of the interference pattern was recorded simultaneously but never observed to provide control data. Environmental sensors and real-time encryption of the illumination data were among the methods included in the design of the experiment to help ensure data integrity.With all data combined the results did not support three preregistered hypotheses, but for one of those hypotheses participants partitioned by those experienced in an outward vs. an inward focus of attention achieved significantly better results in reducing interference (p = 0.008). An exploratory hypothesis also found a significant difference in skewness of the distribution of interference measures recorded in observed vs. unobserved periods (p = 0.004). In addition, an exploratory analysis showed a clear trend – a progressive decline in interference – while participants observed a portion of the interference pattern, as compared to data recorded simultaneously from an unobserved portion (p = 5.9 × 10-14). By comparison, applying the same analysis during no-observation periods found no differences in trends (p = 0.77). Control data run with no observers present and subjected again to this same trend analysis showed uniformly nonsignificant results. Alternative explanations, including possible environmental influences that might have caused these outcomes, as well as recommendations for future studies, are discussed.
The consciousness-collapse interpretation of quantum mechanics was explored by testing if human observation might act like a weak quantum measurement effect in an optical interferometer. Forty-seven participants selected via a worldwide search for individuals with experience in focusing their attention were each provided with a custom-made optical apparatus. Using this device, they ran a preassigned series of test sessions to see if illumination recorded in a portion of the interference pattern would be affected when a feedback signal based on that measure was observed versus unobserved. Another portion of the interference pattern was recorded simultaneously but never observed to provide control data. Environmental sensors and real-time encryption of the illumination data were among the methods included in the design of the experiment to help ensure data integrity.With all data combined the results did not support three preregistered hypotheses, but for one of those hypotheses participants partitioned by those experienced in an outward vs. an inward focus of attention achieved significantly better results in reducing interference (p = 0.008). An exploratory hypothesis also found a significant difference in skewness of the distribution of interference measures recorded in observed vs. unobserved periods (p = 0.004). In addition, an exploratory analysis showed a clear trend – a progressive decline in interference – while participants observed a portion of the interference pattern, as compared to data recorded simultaneously from an unobserved portion (p = 5.9 × 10-14). By comparison, applying the same analysis during no-observation periods found no differences in trends (p = 0.77). Control data run with no observers present and subjected again to this same trend analysis showed uniformly nonsignificant results. Alternative explanations, including possible environmental influences that might have caused these outcomes, as well as recommendations for future studies, are discussed.
The von Neumann‐Wigner consciousness-collapse interpretation of quantum mechanics was explored by testing if human observation of interference in an optical interferometer might act like a weak quantum measurement effect. Forty-seven participants selected via a worldwide search for individuals with experience in focusing their attention were each provided with a custom-made optical apparatus. Using this device, they ran a preassigned series of test sessions to see if illumination recorded in a portion of the interference pattern would be affected when a feedback signal based on that measure was observed versus unobserved. Another portion of the interference pattern was recorded simultaneously but never observed to provide control data. Environmental sensors and real-time encryption of the illumination data were among the methods included in the design of the experiment to help ensure data integrity. With all data combined the results did not support three preregistered hypotheses, but for one of those hypotheses participants selected for experience in an outward versus an inward focus of attention achieved significantly better results in reducing interference (p = 0.008). An exploratory analysis found a progressive decline in interference while participants observed a portion of the interference pattern, as compared to data recorded simultaneously from an unobserved portion (p = 5.9 × 10−14). By comparison, applying the same analysis during no-observation periods found no differences in trends (p = 0.77). Control data run with no observers present and subjected again to this same trend analysis showed uniformly nonsignificant results. Alternative explanations, including possible environmental influences that might have caused these outcomes, as well as recommendations for future studies, are discussed.
An experiment was conducted to explore possible psychophysical influences on interference patterns generated by an optical double-slit system. The experiment was motivated by a proposed explanation of the quantum measurement problem by John von Neumann and others, namely that consciousness collapses the quantum wavefunction. The study design generated a single database partitioned into eight differential tests, four in experimental conditions where participants alternately directed their attention toward and away from the optical system, and four in sham conditions when no one was present. The planned analysis was comparison of means in attention-toward vs. attention-away conditions; a secondary analysis added later, but before the data were examined, was comparison of variances. After adjusting the eight mean comparisons for multiple testing, none were statistically significant, but one of the eight variance differences was suggestively significant.To date, 11 of 28 conceptual replications of this experiment, reported by four independent teams, have reported statistically significant outcomes (p < 0.05, two-tail), where only one would be expected by chance. Given the implications of psychophysical effects on our understanding of the role of consciousness in the physical world, we encourage others to attempt to replicate this experiment.
An experiment we conducted from 2012 to 2013, which had not been previously reported, was designed to explore possible psychophysical effects resulting from the interaction of a human mind with a quantum system. Participants focused their attention toward or away from the slits in a double-slit optical system to see if the interference pattern would be affected. Data were collected from 25 people in individual half-hour sessions; each person repeated the test ten times for a total of 250 planned sessions. “Sham” sessions designed to mimic the experimental sessions without observers present were run immediately before and after as controls. Based on the planned analysis, no evidence for a psychophysical effect was found. Because this experiment differed in two essential ways from similar, previously reported double-slit experiments, two exploratory analyses were developed, one based on a simple spectral analysis of the interference pattern and the other based on fringe visibility. For the experimental data, the outcome supported a pattern of results predicted by a causal psychophysical effect, with the spectral metric resulting in a 3.4 sigma effect (p = 0.0003), and the fringe visibility metric resulting in 7 of 22 fringes tested above 2.3 sigma after adjustment for type I error inflation, with one of those fringes at 4.3 sigma above chance (p = 0.00001). The same analyses applied to the sham data showed uniformly null outcomes. Other analyses exploring the potential that these results were due to mundane artifacts, such as fluctuations in temperature or vibration, showed no evidence of such influences. Future studies using the same protocols and analytical methods will be required to determine if these exploratory results are idiosyncratic or reflect a genuine psychophysical influence.
Background: Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of matter and light at the atomic and subatomic levels.In quantum mechanics, a key principle is that quantum objects can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior.This is called "wave-particle duality" (Squires, 1999).Moreover, quantum mechanics presents us with a mixture of possibilities, where the particles exist in a state of superposition until an observation occurs.When we measure, the wave function collapses into a single outcome.To address this, it's imperative to understand what exactly constitutes an observation in quantum mechanics and its role in wave function collapse.Objectives: This study explores the concept of measurement from both a physical and philosophical perspective, examining different interpretations of consciousness and how observation influences the outcomes of quantum experiments.More specifically, it focuses on how mental states, such as expectation or previous knowledge could impact wave function collapse.Complementing the existing body of research, this review expands to explore several critical questions surrounding the nature of observation in quantum mechanics. Methods:The study conducted a literature review to establish the theoretical background and relevance.Forty-five participants (ages 13+) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Expectation/Attention, Neutral Observation, or Automated Control.Each group observed 100 random binary outcomes generated using Random.org,with the Expectation group instructed to mentally focus on increasing the number of 1s.The experiment was conducted using PsychoPy, with all outcomes and timing automatically logged.A statistical analysis using ANOVA and post-hoc tests revealed significant group differences, particularly between the Neutral group and the others.Results: Expected Group (primed with prior knowledge) yielded the highest median (63), suggesting expectation may amplify observed values.The Neutral Group (baseline awareness) recorded the lowest results (median=57).The Control Group (standard observation) occupied an intermediate range.Neutral < Control < Expected in median values.The expected group shows 2× the IQR of Control/Neutral, indicating higher variability.No outliers detected in any group using the 1.5×IQR rule.These patterns tentatively support the proposed link between conscious states (e.g., expectation/knowledge) and quantum phenomena.To validate the differences across the control, expected, and neutral groups, a one-way ANOVA test was taken, which revealed a statistically significant difference in the counts of ones between the groups (p = 0.000014).Post-hoc analysis using Tukey's HSD indicated that the neutral group significantly differed from both the control and expected groups, while the control and expected groups did not significantly differ from each other.Additionally, the effect size (η² = 0.64), indicates a large and meaningful difference between the groups.Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that conscious mental states, particularly expectation, may measurably influence quantum measurement outcomes.The observed positional trends and increased variability in the Expected group suggest that the observer's mindset is not merely a passive condition but may actively modulate the measurement process.While the findings align with and expand upon previous research linking consciousness to quantum phenomena, they also introduce new considerations regarding variability and individual cognitive influence.Nonetheless, this work offers a meaningful step toward understanding the complex relationship between consciousness and the physical world and underscores the need for continued interdisciplinary research to further explore this potential connection.
A double-slit optical system was used to test the possible role of consciousness in the collapse of the quantum wavefunction. The ratio of the interference pattern's double-slit spectral power to its single-slit spectral power was predicted to decrease when attention was focused toward the double slit as compared to away from it. Each test session consisted of 40 counterbalanced attention-toward and attention-away epochs, where each epoch lasted between 15 and 30 s. Data contributed by 137 people in six experiments, involving a total of 250 test sessions, indicate that on average the spectral ratio decreased as predicted (z=-4:36, p=6*10-6). Another 250 control sessions conducted without observers present tested hardware, software, and analytical procedures for potential artifacts; none were identified (z=0:43, p=0:67). Variables including temperature, vibration, and signal drift were also tested, and no spurious influences were identified. By contrast, factors associated with consciousness, such as meditation experience, electrocortical markers of focused attention, and psychological factors including openness and absorption, significantly correlated in predicted ways with perturbations in the double-slit interference pattern. The results appear to be consistent with a consciousness-related interpretation of the quantum measurement problem.
Motivated by a series of reported experiments and their controversial results, the present work investigated if volunteers could causally affect an optical double-slit system through mental efforts alone. The participants' task alternated between intending the increase of the (real-time feedback informed) amount of light diffracted through a specific single slit and relaxing any intention effort. The 160 data sessions that 127 volunteers took part in revealed a statistically significant 4.68 sigma difference between the measurements performed in the intention versus the relax conditions (p=2.93×10−6;es=0.47±0.20 95\% CL), while the 160 control sessions conducted without any observers present resulted in statistically equivalent samples (z=0.35,p=0.73;es=0.04±0.20 95\% CL). The results could not be explained by environmental factors, hence supporting the previously claimed existence of a not yet understood form of interaction between a conscious agent and a physical system.