Reaction time in schizophrenic and normal subjects in relation to the sequence of series of regular preparatory intervals.

Earlier research (Huston et al, 1937) emphasized the inability of schizophrenic Ss, in comparison to normals, to maintain a given set over an extended period of time; this, again, was the focus of the present investigation. Reaction times in 7 schizophrenic and 11 nonschizophrenic Ss were reviewed in the context of situations which required varying amounts of preresponse times. The results confirm the unfavorable effect on the performance of schizophrenic Ss in situations requiring prolonged maintenance of a response set. Results are related to a psychophysical interpretation of schizophrenia. From Psyc Abstracts 36:04:4JQ61Z. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)