Can the mind generate random numbers?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of whether the human mind can generate truly random numbers. Participants conclude that the mind is inherently pattern-seeking, influenced by past experiences and memories, which prevents it from producing genuine randomness. They reference studies and concepts such as "Patternicity" by Michael Shermer and the limitations of human cognition in generating random sequences. The consensus is that while the mind may produce numbers that appear random, they are ultimately derived from previous experiences and are not truly random.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cognitive psychology concepts, particularly related to memory and pattern recognition.
  • Familiarity with random number generation techniques and their limitations.
  • Knowledge of statistical tests for randomness and their application.
  • Awareness of the implications of human cognition on decision-making processes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Patternicity" by Michael Shermer to understand human tendencies in pattern recognition.
  • Explore statistical tests for randomness, such as the Chi-squared test and runs test.
  • Investigate the role of memory in cognitive processes and its impact on perceived randomness.
  • Examine the implications of quantum mechanics on randomness in decision-making, particularly Penrose's ORCH OR model.
USEFUL FOR

Cognitive scientists, psychologists, data analysts, and anyone interested in the intersection of human cognition and randomness in decision-making processes.

  • #61
Wolfram Mathword says:

A random number is a number chosen as if by chance from some specified distribution such that selection of a large set of these numbers reproduces the underlying distribution. Almost always, such numbers are also required to be independent, so that there are no correlations between successive numbers. Computer-generated random numbers are sometimes called pseudorandom numbers, while the term "random" is reserved for the output of unpredictable physical processes. When used without qualification, the word "random" usually means "random with a uniform distribution." Other distributions are of course possible. For example, the Box-Muller transformation allows pairs of uniform random numbers to be transformed to corresponding random numbers having a two-dimensional normal distribution.
 
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  • #62
I don't think randomness is possible, in any regard. Something that seems random is merely because we are unaware of the causal history of the outcome.

Yes I am aware of quantum mechanics... I still don't believe in true randomness, I believe we have more to learn.
 

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