Effects of length of hospitalization, frequency of penalty, and amount of penalty on the probability learning of schizophrenics.

Predicted that on a probability learning task, an increase in frequency of penalty would differentially increase frequency of choice of the more frequent alternatives in long-term as compared to short-term schizophrenics. Ss were 100 hospitalized schizophrenics. Frequency of penalty was either 100 or 50%; amount, either 1 or 2 cents. Short-term Ss chose the more frequent alternative significantly more often than did long-term Ss. Subsequent analyses suggest that long-term hospitalization may reduce capabilities for shifting rather than forming basic strategies. (24 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)