Negative probabilities can occur in quasiprobability distributions in quantum mechanics

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

4 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Negative probabilities and non-real values are well-documented features of quasiprobability distributions, such as the Wigner and Kirkwood-Dirac functions, reflecting non-classical quantum phenomena like quantum coherence.

The analysis

The claim states that negative probabilities can occur in quasiprobability distributions in quantum mechanics. Multiple retrieved papers (such as [0], [3], [4], and [6]) directly discuss negative values, nonreal values, and negativity in quasiprobability distributions (like the Wigner function and Kirkwood-Dirac distribution) in quantum mechanics. Therefore, the claim is strongly supported by the evidence.

Evidence for · 4

Logical entropy and negative probabilities in quantum mechanics

Recorded source metadata

Giovanni Manfredi. Logical entropy and negative probabilities in quantum mechanics. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1051/fopen/2022004

Discusses how the quadratic form of logical entropy allows for a generalization of probabilities that includes negative values in quantum mechanics, tracing the concept back to Feynman and Wigner.

Source citation format

See more details

More for · 3

Statistical Signatures of Quantum Contextuality.

Recorded source metadata

Hofmann HF. Statistical Signatures of Quantum Contextuality.. 2024. https://doi.org/10.3390/e26090725

Notes that a complete description of quantum states involves elements of the Kirkwood-Dirac quasiprobability, which can exhibit non-classical statistical features.

Source citation format

Snapshotting quantum dynamics at multiple time points.

Recorded source metadata

Wang P, Kwon H, Luan CY, Chen W, Qiao M, Zhou Z, Wang K, Kim MS, Kim K. Snapshotting quantum dynamics at multiple time points.. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53051-5

Reconstructs multi-time quasi-probability distributions and explicitly notes that negativity and complex values within these distributions indicate quantum coherence.

Source citation format

Quantifying the Nonclassicality of the Kirkwood-Dirac Quasiprobability Distribution Under Discrete-Time Dynamics.

Recorded source metadata

Ding Z, Zhou SQ. Quantifying the Nonclassicality of the Kirkwood-Dirac Quasiprobability Distribution Under Discrete-Time Dynamics.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/e28040395

Explains that the Kirkwood-Dirac quasiprobability distribution can take on negative or nonreal values, serving as a measure of quantum nonclassicality.

Source citation format

The paper trail · every fact has a biography

first checked01 Aug 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 7901 Aug 2026

More receipts

Is it true that Phonological evolution involves regular processes of phoneme elision, vowel nasalization, and tonogenesis?Is it true that Hemangiomas are treatable with medication?Is it true that Research identifies forms of intelligence that diverge from standard IQ measures?

Random receipt →The Trust Wiki →

Anyone with this link can read the claim and its public receipt, including any personal information in that text. Open permanent receipt.

Check your own claim

Challenge the receipt

I have a source that contradicts this verdict I have a source that supports it No source: request a receipt review Requests are recorded for review. This does not start an automatic check or guarantee a response time.

trust me, bro: win the argument, pass the class, survive peer review.

Citation formatting by citeproc-js (Frank Bennett) and the Citation Style Language project. Source and licenses.

This receipt is an automated verdict against our published method · not an opinion about any author or publication.
Terms · Privacy · How verdicts work · Dispute this receipt