Concept identification by schizophrenic and normal subjects as a function of problem complexity and relevance of social cues.

Schizophrenic and normal 5s (# = 230) solved concept-identification (CI) problems varying in stimulus complexity, simultaneously with either a normal or a schizophrenic stooge providing relevant or irrelevant cues. Major results were (a) CI performance was a negative function of stimulus complexity, (b) social cues from a normal stooge had greater effects on problem solving than social cues from a schizophrenic stooge, and (c) schizophrenics demonstrated a deficit in problem solving connected primarily with the use of social cues. Comparisons of these data with expectations based on a mathematical model of CI revealed several significant discrepancies, attributable primarily to the fact that normals are more sensitive to social cues than are schizophrenics.