Correlating a measure of sustained attention with a multidimensional measure of schizotypal traits

A student sample (n = 100) performed an undegraded Continuous Performance T est (CPT) under three levels of presumed cognitive load. Participants also completed the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-Lif e), a multi-dimensional (four-factor) measure of schizotypal traits, and th e Paranoia/Suspiciousness Questionnaire. Numbers of 'hits', 'false alarms' and reaction times were recorded, and measures of sensitivity (d ') and res ponse bias were calculated. The main finding was the tendency for participa nts scoring high on the Cognitive Disorganisation scale of the O-Life to pe rform poorly on the CPT. Participants scoring high on the Unusual Experienc es ('positive' schizotypy) scale showed decremental performance on the high load version; while there was a non-significant tendency for Introvertive Anhedonia ('negative' schizotypy) to be associated with low CPT sensitivity . Correlations involving the Impulsive Nonconformity scale suggested the in fluence of response bias (criterion) factors. The results support previous studies in clinical and normal groups relating undegraded CPT to the 'disor ganisation' component of schizotypy. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.