Differences in Word Association Commonality of Schizophrenics: The self-editing-deficit model vs. the partial-collapse-of-response-hierarchy hypothesis

Abstract

Schizophrenics matched by pairs with 26 neurotics were found to be no different in commonality scores under free association conditions on steep-slope words from Moran's (1966) word list equated for "idiodynamic set pull." Schizophrenics scored significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in commonality on flat-slope words, where steep-slope and flat-slope refer respectively to stimulus words with one or several commonly occurring associates. Matched by pairs with 23 "normal" controls, schizophrenics scored significantly lower in commonality on both steep-slope and flat-slope words under free association conditions. These findings are contrary to the prediction for the two-stage, self-editing-deficit model (Lisman & Cohen, 1972) and are consistent with the one-stage, partial-collapse-of-hierarchy hypothesis (Broen & Storms, 1966). Other results (e.g., schizophrenics obtained significantly lower commonality for Concept-referent, but not for Dimension-referent or Object-referent, steep-slope stimulus words) suggest that these models might be modified so as to take into account the idiodynamic set pull of stimulus words.

Continued word association in hypothetically psychosis-prone college students.

“…More recent studies using the traditional single-response word-association test that yielded the same finding include the studies of Lisman and Cohen (1972), Penk (1978), Shakow (1980), Penk and Kidd (1977), Sackheim and Shapiro (1981), and Janowsky, Huey, Storms, and Judd (1977). Silverstein and Harrow (1980) using a continued word-association test also found more rare associates by schizo-phrenics.…”

“…Silverstein and Harrow (1980) using a continued word-association test also found more rare associates by schizo-phrenics. Of these, the studies of Lisman and Cohen (1972), Penk (1978), and Penk and Kidd (1977) used schizophrenic and control groups matched by sex and either education or an intellectual measure, as did an earlier study by Moran, Mefferd, and Kimble (1964). Atypical reports are those of Fuller and Kates (1969), who, using 24 stimulus words that seemed "likely to yield superordinate association responses" (p. 498), found no difference between schizophrenic and normal subjects on commonality and number of idiosyncratic (individual) responses, and of Schwartz (1978aSchwartz ( , 1978b, who questioned the entire published evidence that schizophrenics give rarer associates than normal subjects.…”

Performance asymptotes in schizophrenia: A further test of the Broen-Storms theory

“…This theory accounts for the presence of both high arousal levels and abnormal verbal behavior in schizophrenics and has been used to explain the schizophrenic's loose associations, conceptual disorders, delusions, and hallucinations (Broen & Storms, 1966).Several studies that partially or wholly support the Broen-Storms theory have been published. Penk and Kidd (1977) administered a free-association word association test to schizophrenics and nonschizophrenic psychiatric patients. Their schizophrenics' responses showed lower commonality than the controls', which is consistent with Broen and Storms' claim that schizophrenic behavior is affected by collapsed response hierarchies.…”

“…Several studies that partially or wholly support the Broen-Storms theory have been published. Penk and Kidd (1977) administered a free-association word association test to schizophrenics and nonschizophrenic psychiatric patients. Their schizophrenics' responses showed lower commonality than the controls', which is consistent with Broen and Storms' claim that schizophrenic behavior is affected by collapsed response hierarchies.…”

Chapman's versus Broen and Storms' theory of schizophrenic thought disorder: An empirical comparison

“…Other investigators also have reported results consistent with the Broen and Storms model (Bible & Magaro, 1971;Depuc, 1974;l'enk, 1978;Penk & Kidd, 1977). Broen and Storms' and Chapman's theories are similar in that each recognizes the susceptibility of schizophrenic Ss to high-strength competing alternatives in test situations that require conceptual discrimination.…”