Quantum-like model of brain's functioning: decision making from decoherence

Masanari Asano (1) , Masanori Ohya (1) , Yoshiharu Tanaka (1) , Irina Basieva (2) , Andrei Khrennikov (1)

1 Department of Information Sciences
2 International Center for Mathematical Modelling in Physics and Cognitive Sciences Linnaeus University

We present a quantum-like model of decision making in games of the Prisoner's Dilemma type. By this model the brain processes information by using representation of mental states in a complex Hilbert space. Driven by the master equation the mental state of a player, say Alice, approaches an equilibrium point in the space of density matrices (representing mental states). This equilibrium state determines Alice's mixed (i.e., probabilistic) strategy. We use a master equation which in quantum physics describes the process of decoherence as the result of interaction with environment. Thus our model is a model of thinking through decoherence of the initially pure mental state. Decoherence is induced by the interaction with memory and the external mental environment. We study (numerically) the dynamics of quantum entropy of Alice's mental state in the process of decision making. We also consider classical entropy corresponding to Alice's choices. We introduce a measure of Alice's diffidence as the difference between classical and quantum entropies of Alice's mental state. We see that (at least in our model example) diffidence decreases (approaching zero) in the process of decision making. Finally, we discuss the problem of neuronal realization of quantum-like dynamics of in the brain; especially roles played by lateral prefrontal cortex or and orbitofrontal cortex.

Mots clés: Decision making

Domaines: Sciences du Vivant [q-bio]

Masanari Asano, Masanori Ohya, Yoshiharu Tanaka, Irina Basieva, Andrei Khrennikov. Quantum-like model of brain's functioning: decision making from decoherence. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 2011, 281 (1), pp.56. ⟨10.1016/j.jtbi.2011.04.022⟩. ⟨hal-00708524⟩