Dimensions of schizotypy and lexical decision in the two hemispheres

Abstract

A combined lexical decision-priming experimental paradigm was used to investigate the relation between hemisphere asymmetry and dimensions of schizotypy. After performing a lexical decision task for lateralized word and non-word targets following neutral and related priming sentences, 60 male university students filled out the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE). According to their scores on each of the schizotypy dimensions, the participants were divided into high-, medium-, and low-schizotypy groups and their lexical decision accuracy and reaction time were analyzed. On two dimensions of schizotypy (Unusual Experiences and Cognitive Disorganization), less effective linguistic processing was uncovered for the left hemisphere, whereas on the Impulsive Nonconformity dimension relatively more effective processing was found for the right hemisphere. Issues related to the specificity of the neurological and psychological mechanisms underlying these results are discussed and the lexical decision-priming paradigm was recommended as a promising means of exploring these issues.