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Word recall in schizophrenia: a connectionist model
P G Nestor1, S J Akdag, B F O'Donnell
1Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|December 8, 1998
Summary
Patients with schizophrenia exhibit impaired word recall, particularly affected by word connectivity. Their memory performance suggests difficulties in modulating associative links in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatric Research
Background:
- Memory deficits are a core symptom in schizophrenia.
- Connectionist models offer insights into memory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate word recall in schizophrenia using a connectionist memory model.
- To examine the influence of word connectivity and network size on recall.
Main Methods:
- Schizophrenic patients and controls recalled a 32-word list.
- Words varied in connectivity (associative strength) and network size.
- Four word types were used: high/low connectivity with small/large network sizes.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenic patients recalled fewer words than controls.
- Recall in schizophrenia was highly sensitive to word connectivity.
- Low connectivity words significantly impaired recall for patients.
Conclusions:
- Schizophrenia may involve disrupted associative link modulation.
- These deficits might stem from widespread frontal and temporal lobe network dysfunction.