A straightforward explanation of fundamental tenets concerning the quantum mechanical wave function results in the thesis that the quantum mechanical wave function is a link between human cognition and the physical world. The way in which physicists have not accepted this explanation is discussed, and some of the roots of the problem are explored. The basis for an empirical test as to whether the wave function is a link between human cognition and the physical world is provided through developing an (...) experiment incorporating methodology from psychology and physics. Research in psychology and physics that relied on this methodology indicates that it is likely that Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen's theoretical result that mutually exclusive wave functions can simultaneously apply to the same concrete physical circumstances can be implemented on an empirical level. (shrink)

In quantum mechanics, it is possible for a person to make observations that affect physical entities without there being a physical interaction between the human observer and the physical entity measured. Epstein (1945) and Renninger (1960) discussed this situation, and Renninger called this type of observation a "negative observation." Empirical research on electron shelving supports the possibility of negative observations (Bergquist, Hulet, Itano, and Wineland, 1986; Nagourney, Sandberg, and Dehmelt, 1986; Sauter, Neuhauser, Blatt, and Toschek, 1986). Two scenarios for negative (...) observation are presented in this paper. The first is modeled after the two hole gedankenexperiments of Feynman, Leighton, and Sands (1965) and portrays negative observations in a non-technical manner. The second scenario allows for quantifying the effect on physical existents of negative observations in a simple fashion. In addition, various issues related to negative observation are discussed, including an objection that might be raised. The Schrödinger cat gedankenexperiment is discussed as well. (shrink)