title: Implicit memory functioning in schizophrenia: explaining inconsistent findings of word stem completion tasks.
abstract: The definitive implicit memory profile of schizophrenia is yet to be clarified. Methodological differences between studies could be the reason for the inconsistent findings reported. In this study, we have examined implicit memory functioning using a word stem completion task. In addition, we have addressed methodological issues related with lexical and perceptual stimuli characteristics, and with the strategy used to calculate priming scores. Our data show similar performance values in schizophrenic patients and healthy controls. Furthermore, we have not detected significant differences in priming between the two groups, even when this parameter was calculated using three different procedures. These results are in line with those we have reported previously using the same stimuli in a word fragment completion task. Considered as a whole, our research suggests that implicit memory functioning in schizophrenia is unimpaired when assessed using word fragment or stem completion tasks. In light of this, future studies should follow standardized criteria to assess implicit memory when the sensitivity of the task employed is essential for identifying potential memory deficits in schizophrenia.
authors: Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
authors: María José
authors: MJ
authors: Soler
authors: Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: jcruiz@uv.es.
authors: Juan Carlos
authors: JC
authors: Ruiz
authors: Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
authors: Carmen
authors: C
authors: Dasí
authors: Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain.
authors: Inma
authors: I
authors: Fuentes-Durá
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003210:Concept Formation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*; D014706:Verbal Learning / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Implicit memory; Priming; Schizophrenia; Word stem completion task