Probability Learning and Width of Attention in Normal and Schizophrenic Groups

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Abstract
Venables' (1964) theory that chronic schizophrenics display narrowed attention was tested in a probability learning task. Contrary to prediction, normals, paranoid schizophrenics and non‐paranoid schizophrenics did not differ in their probability learning on a 2:1 ratio, nor when that ratio changed to 100 per cent occurrence of one stimulus. On measures of the dependence of the subjects' current behaviour on previous stimuli and responses the schizophrenics were no less dependent on the more distant events than the normals, again contrary to prediction. These findings also fail to support the ‘immediacy hypothesis’ of Salzinger et al. (1970). There was some evidence that the non‐paranoid schizophrenics were more influenced by their own previous responses and less by the stimulus series than were the paranoid schizophrenics or normals.

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