Schizotypy and hemisphere function—II: Performance asymmetry on a verbal divided visual-field task

Abstract

Following reports that psychotic patients show abnormal performance asymmetries on divided visual-field (DVF) tasks, a study was made of the relationship between performance asymmetries on a verbal DVF task in a group of normal Ss (18 male, 18 female) and self-report measures of personality. Interest was focused primarily on a new questionnaire, the STQ, which purports to provide measures of both ‘schizotypal’ and ‘borderline’ personality. It was hypothesized that high scoring on the ‘schizotypal’ scale would be associated with attenuation of performance asymmetry on the DVF task. The hypothesized correlation was found for males but not for females. The results are discussed in the context of theoretical issues central to the DVF method and are taken generally to support a continuity model of psychosis.