Abnormal interhemispheric integration and schizophrenia

Abstract

SummaryAn investigation of speech comprehension in schizophrenic patients is described. Using the Neale Test of Reading Ability subjects are presented with a comprehension task in which information is presented on tape either to the left ear alone, the right ear alone or both ears together. Subjects are scored for correct responses to questions about the presented texts. Significant differences in measures of ear‐difference and laterality quotient were found between two schizophrenic (acute and chronic) and two control (neurotic and normal) groups and significant differences in binaural quotient measures were found between acute schizophrenics and control groups. The results are interpreted in terms of possible abnormalities of interhemispheric integration in schizophrenia.