Imagery and verbal aspects of schizophrenic informational performance

Imagery and verbal aspects of schizophrenic informational performance were examined. Pictorially and verbally presented pairs of items were compared with respect to both pronounceability of their names and their real-life sizes. Results indicated slower stimulus encoding of pictorial than verbal stimulation among the schizophrenics, especially paranoids. On the other hand, comparison of item properties appeared intact regardless of stimulus-presentation format. Non-paranoids made fewer errors as size judgements became more difficult, suggesting protection against erroneously stating the presence of stimulus properties. Scores from a questionnaire directed toward habitual use of imagery and verbal processes indicated significantly greater preference for the latter among paranoids.