Statistical definition of observable and the structure of statistical models (Q1085406)

A purely statistical characterization of measurements of observables (described by spectral measures in conventional formalism of quantum mechanics) is given in the framework of the general statistical (convex) approach. The relation to physical premises underlying the conventional notion of observable is discussed. Structural aspects of general statistical models such as central decomposition and characterization of classical models are considered. It is shown by explicit construction that an arbitrary statistical model admits a formal introduction of ''hidden variables'' preserving the structural properties of a single statistical model. The relation of this result to other theorems on hidden variables is discussed.