Student views about measurement in two quantum models

We share student responses to an instructional approach developed with an eye to students’ engagement with the landscape of interpretations of quantum mechanics, in which students consider issues of measurement in two different quantum models. In one model, involving an intuitive hidden variable for photon polarization [1], the property in question (polarization) has a defined value at all times, but measurement changes the value of the property. In another model, involving sorting electrons by spin-like properties called “color” and “hardness” [2], the property in question (e.g., color) has a defined value only in specific circumstances, and measurement can be said to reveal a pre-existing property of the system only in those circumstances. Students respond to these models with a variety of philosophical views about measurement, which reflect the variety of views among past and present physicists. The instructional approach is developed for physics majors but accessible to all levels.

[1] quantum.bard.edu

[2] Albert, D. Z. (1992) Quantum mechanics and experience. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA.