Kent-Rosanoff Association and its implications for segmental set theory

Data about numerous repeated administrations of the Kent-Rosanoff Association Test to schizophrenic subjects not found elsewhere in the literature are presented. A quantitative scoring system, in the form of a Composite Index, is also provided. And lastly, association results offer further evidence for the theory of segmental set. Data are provided on the responses of 60 schizophrenic patients and 60 normal subjects (college and noncollege) on two repetitions of the test, and five repetition for schizophrenics. Results of the comparison between schizophrenics and normals indicate that schizophrenics give fewer most common, more individual, and more unusual responses; have a higher Composite Index; have a lower percentage of responses given in identical form; and show less learning ability on test repetition. As between paranoids and hebephrenics, paranoids have higher repetition scores, and given more most common, more individual, and fewer unusual responses. These results reflect clinical condition and are viewed as corroborating the segmental set hypothesis.