Neuropsychological patterns in RISC identified schizotypic subjects

The present study employed the Rust Inventory of Schizotypal Cognitions (RISC) to identify an experimental group of schizotypics (as well as an appropriate control group). It was hypothesized that these individuals would show patterns on a battery of neuropsychological tests (e.g., Category Test, Tactual Performance Test, and Trails B from the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery; Expressive Speech, Memory, and Intellectual Processes Scales from the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Batter; and the Rey Complex Figure Test) similar to those exhibited by actual schizophrenics. Findings indicated that schizotypes do show a pattern of deficits on neuropsychological tests similar to those observed in diagnosed schizophrenics. These results lend validity to the RISC as an instrument for use in selecting those at-risk for schizophrenia. They also illustrate a possible neuropsychological vulnerability marker for schizophrenia.Department of Psychological ScienceThesis (M.A.