How do we know that "observing" a wave function is really only observing? I know that a wave function "collapses" when it is observed. One of the interpretations invokes consciousness as the cause. However, how do we know that observing is really only observing? How do we know that we aren't forcing the wave function to collapse because the observation adds something to the system (energy, constraint,etc)? 
 A: Collapse of a wave into an observed particle -
Suppose the entity moving through double slit is an electron (in wave form). Let us observe it by shining a laser on it. If we were to observe
the electron with the laser, then the laser has to be reflected off the electron. Right? But, in order to reflect the laser, the electron has to turn
into a particle. Why? Because a wave can not reflect off a wave. A wave (laser) can only reflect off a particle. Therefore, in order to reflect
the laser, the electron must turn into a particle; otherwise, the observation is just not possible using a laser. Therefore, if there is a
measurement via laser, the electron must behave like a particle, not a wave. This way, observation is not just observation, it has to force the wave to collapse first.
Why the Collapse of a wave becomes mandatory on detection?
Why the laser is reflected off the electron in the first place? The actual reason for this can be the fact that the specific laser frequency that
detects the electron can not coexist with electron wave at the same point of space time. So, when they meet, one has to collapse. Laser being
more fundamental wave, it is the electron wave (less fundamental wave) that gives way and collapses. When collapsed, it becomes a particle
and may reflect the laser depending upon where the particle is materialized per density distribution. This is why when we try to observe the electrons in either of the
slits, it causes interference pattern to disappear irrespective of whether the electron was seen or not. 
Laser (EM) has the fundamental property of a wave - fixed speed. Electron can travel at various speeds. Therefore laser is more fundamental
wave as compared to electron wave. Electron wave has some wave properties, but not all of them. Fixed speed is one such example property. 
