Information overload disrupts digit recall performance in schizophrenics.
The effect of auditory information overload on schizophrenics was examined by using a modified forward digit recall task. When memory capacity was exceeded, schizophrenics, but not controls, showed severe disruptions in performance on individual trials. Theories to account for the disruptions are discussed. A combination of factors, rather than simply limited information handling capacity, appears best able to account for the phenomenon. It is emphasized that further understanding of active cognitive process requires examination of trial by trial individual subject data.
Weiss
K M
KM
Psychology Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44141.
Vrtunski
P B
PB
Simpson
D M
DM
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology