title: Using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis for understanding information processing and schizophrenia.
abstract: This comprehensive review of information processing theory together with multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis methods is used to examine proposed models, developing taxonomies, and treatment for schizophrenia. Studies cited link attention deficit with schizophrenia, suggest that for some tasks, the irregular performance of people with schizophrenia is the major problem, add evidence of treatment effects on sufferers' mental organization, provide a critique of current diagnostic instruments, and highlight the importance of supporting coping skills. The author concludes that multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis are important tools for the development of theory and knowledge and act as a check against theoretical bias.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, Columbia University, USA. jac111@columbia.edu
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Catalano
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*