Quantum paradox of explanation
Both metaphorical and non-metaphorical explanations of quantum phenomena made people feel they understood a news article about the development of a quantum computer less well than people who read the same text but without an explanation of the quantum phenomenon.
At the same time, people actually understood quantum phenomena themselves better when explanations were given - i.e. better than the group that was not given an explanation. Whether that explanation was metaphorical or not made no difference. "In other words: explanations can help in understanding quantum phenomena, but have a negative effect on perceived understanding of a newspaper article about quantum technology - in this case, a quantum computer," said lead researcher physicist Aletta Meinsma of Leiden University.
The scientists investigated whether a visual equation - such as a coin spinning in the air - contributes to better understanding of quantum technology, and to what extent such an understanding affects people's attitudes towards the technology. The research was published in the scientific journal Metaphor and the Social World.
Three ways to explain quantum physics
In an online experiment among 1167 Dutch people, participants were given a news article about a new quantum computer. The article contained either a metaphorical explanation, a non-metaphorical explanation, or no explanation at all of a core phenomenon in quantum physics, such as superposition or entanglement.
On attitudes about quantum technology, the different types of explanation had hardly any effect. The researchers found no direct influence on attitudes (emotions and feelings towards quantum technology, as well as thoughts and beliefs). On average, this was already quite positive among the participants. Only very small indirect effects surfaced: a slightly more negative attitude because people thought they understood the news article as a whole less well, and a slightly more positive attitude because they actually understood more about the specific quantum phenomenon explained in the text, although the latter effect was removed. "These results show that (metaphorical) explanation thus seems to work differently for on understanding than on attitude, " said associate professor of Language and Communication Gudrun Reijnierse.
Metaphors do not make quantum more understandable
An important insight is that metaphors in this study do not prove to be a better means of communication than non-metaphorical explanations. They do not make quantum technology more understandable or change attitudes. For public communication around new technologies, this means that non-metaphorical explanations can be at least as effective as pictorial comparisons - but especially if the aim is to give people more substantive knowledge about a specific phenomenon. To give people a global sense of understanding of technological developments, detailed explanations are better left out.