there were no definitive tests or experimental methods available to directly detect or measure hidden variables in quantum mechanics. However, it's important to note that quantum mechanics is a highly active field of research, and new developments may have occurred since then.
The concept of hidden variables was proposed as a way to explain the apparent randomness and probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. Hidden variables theories suggest that there are underlying, unobserved variables that determine the outcomes of quantum events and restore determinism to the theory. However, the majority of physicists favor the interpretation that quantum mechanics is inherently probabilistic and does not involve hidden variables.
The issue of hidden variables and their existence has been extensively studied and debated through various thought experiments and theoretical investigations. Prominent physicists like John Bell formulated inequalities, known as Bell inequalities, to test the predictions of quantum mechanics against hidden variables theories. Experimental tests of Bell inequalities have been performed, and the results have generally supported the predictions of quantum mechanics.
However, it is worth mentioning that research in this area is ongoing, and scientists continue to explore new avenues to investigate the foundations of quantum mechanics. It is possible that future developments may propose novel tests or experimental techniques to probe the existence of hidden variables or provide further insights into the nature of quantum mechanics.