Schizotypy and latent inhibition: non-linear linkage between psychometric and cognitive markers

Auditory latent inhibition (LI) and schizotypy were measured in (n=54), showing that LI was an inverted-U function of schizotypy score. Only average levels of schizotypy were associated with undiminished LI while both low- and high-SPQ subjects showed reduced LI. No relationship was found between LI and either psychoticism or any of the five NEO PI-R domains. These results complement the similar complex relationship of neuroleptic drug dose effects on LI in normals and schizophrenics. A priming task and the unusual uses and pattern meanings measures of creativity were related to personality measures of schizotypy, N, E, and O (but not the EPQ-R psychoticism, LI, or priming performance). Priming effects tracked the inverted-U function of schizotypal personality questionnaire (SPQ) scale scores shown in the LI task. It is suggested that LI is dependent on a non-linear interaction with masking task load and attentional allocation, modulated by schizotypy.