The validity of the theories of quantum corrections to the electrical conductivity, namely weak localization and enhanced electron-electron interaction, has been tested quantitatively in well characterized, free-electron-like Mg-Cu and Mg-Zn metallic glasses containing various amounts of Ag and Au through measurement of the electrical resistivity between 1.5K and 20K in magnetic fields up to 5.6T. It is found that the theories give an excellent description of the magnetoresistance at low fields, in both the weak and strong spin-orbit scattering limit but that at higher fields they break down. The electron spin-orbit scattering and dephasing rates have been deduced. Above 4K the dephasing rate is controlled by inelastic electron-phonon scattering, below 4K it saturates to a value consistent with a new model of dephasing of the quantum back scattering interference by ionic zero-point motion. The first direct measurement of the effect of superconductivity on the magnetoresistance in bulk amorphous metals is also presented. The temperature dependence of the resistivity between 1.5 and 6K is in qualitative but not quantitative agreement with the quantum correction theories.

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