Reality in the Quantum Physics

¶ … reality in the quantum physics world? In other words, how does perception play a role in determining our reality? How might these expanding and contracting definitions impact research in the social sciences?

The 'Observer Effect', a fundamental premise of quantum physics, suggests that reality is fashioned according to our perception of reality. In other words, that our very act of perception creates and modifies waves and alters reality in some way. An excellent example would be checking the pressure in an automobile tire. The very act of doing so releases some air, thus changing the pressure.

These definitions may have similar impact in the social science field where observing the other, or studying a certain psychological behavior or mood, has a corresponding effect on the other and influences it.

Another corollary to the social science field is that our particular perceptions and interpretations of the event effect how we perceive the phenomenon. In other words, there is no 'reality' as such, rather 'reality' is shaped by the way that we perceive it. Another may perceive a totally different reality.

2. Discuss social desirability bias. First start by defining the term. Then watch the film and look at how actors make choices in the quantum world. What role does social desirability bias play in how we behave?

Social desirability bias is the term used for the instance where respondents tend to answer questions (or act) in a way that they think will be favorably perceived by others. This is a problem that is often encountered by interviewers or person conducting surveys, particularly where the surveys involve self-reports. Observation, too, is contaminated by this same variable. In this way, it is hard for researchers to make any conclusion regarding average tendencies or individual differences.

Social desirability bias makes us more delusional to personal faults and less likely to work on them since we delude ourselves (and others) into thinking that they do not exist. This is because we (often) wish to do that which is 'right' and conform. Examples may include denying personal feelings of low self-worth or powerlessness; denying that we possess habits that we know to be publicly condemned (such as prejudice or addiction); not complying with medicinal dosing schedules; or inflating personal income and earnings when high.

3. Discuss the water studies done by Masaru Emoto. How do you think attitude on the part of the researcher could influence respondent thoughts and actions unconsciously? Use "wording effects" in your response.

Masaru Emoto claims that positive changes to water crystals can be achieved through prayer, music, or by attaching written words to a container of water. In other words, he maintains that human consciousness affects the molecular structure of water.

Similar phenomena can be argued regarding "interviewer bias" where the race, gender, words, appearance, or other factors such as behavior of the interviewer may have an effect on the interviewee. Some wording effects may be understood in certain ways due to the experience or cultural background of the respondent, for instance, and he may misinterpret or misunderstand them. Wording effects can be reciprocal too with the interviewer misunderstanding words or tone of the respondent. All of these (and other factors) may serve to corrupt the study

4. For this film when you hear the word "atom or molecule" replace it with "person or individual" in your mind. Beyond the complexities of physics, if we look at this story as a social science story, what is the film suggesting about the potential human beings have to influence their environment on various levels. Explain.

Amanda, the photographer character in the film, encounters emotional and existential obstacles in her life and comes to believe that individual and group consciousness can shape the reality of the physical world. This argument is contentious but, either way, the film suggests that humans have an inordinate and huge influence on their environment and this is, undoubtedly, true.