Correlating a measure of sustained attention with a multi-dimensional measure of schizotypal traits

A student sample (n=100) performed an undegraded Continuous Performance Test (CPT) under three levels of presumed cognitive load. Participants also completed the Oxford–Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-Life), a multi-dimensional (four-factor) measure of schizotypal traits, and the Paranoia/Suspiciousness Questionnaire. Numbers of ‘hits’, ‘false alarms’ and reaction times were recorded, and measures of sensitivity (d′) and response bias were calculated. The main finding was the tendency for participants scoring high on the Cognitive Disorganisation scale of the O-Life to perform poorly on the CPT. Participants scoring high on the Unusual Experiences (‘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 influence of response bias (criterion) factors. The results support previous studies in clinical and normal groups relating undegraded CPT to the ‘disorganisation’ component of schizotypy.