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The taxonicity of schizotypy: a replication
1Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Schizotypy, a trait linked to schizophrenia, appears to be taxonic, meaning it exists in distinct groups rather than a spectrum. This study confirms a low base rate for this schizotypy taxon in the general population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Psychometrics
Background:
- P.E. Meehl's model posits a dichotomous liability for schizophrenia, determined by a "schizogene."
- This model suggests a latent class structure for schizophrenia risk.
- Previous research indicated a taxonic structure for schizotypy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate earlier findings on the taxonic latent structure of schizotypy.
- To determine the general population base rate of schizotypy.
- To validate Meehl's taxonic model of schizophrenia liability.
Main Methods:
- Applied MAXCOV-HITMAX taxometric procedures to Perceptual Aberration Scale (PAS) data.
- Utilized a new, randomly ascertained nonclinical university sample (N = 1,646).
- Analyzed the psychological trait of femininity to assess the MAXCOV-HITMAX procedure's validity.
Main Results:
- Data strongly suggest schizotypy, as measured by the PAS, is taxonic at the latent level.
- A low general population taxon base rate for schizotypy (< .10) was confirmed.
- Individuals within the schizo-taxon exhibited higher levels of schizotypic phenomenology.
Conclusions:
- Schizotypy, assessed by the PAS, demonstrates a taxonic latent structure.
- The findings support Meehl's hypothesis of a dichotomous liability for schizophrenia.
- The MAXCOV-HITMAX procedure reliably detects latent taxonic structures without generating spurious evidence.