An Analysis of the Pursuit Rotor Learning of Chronic Psychotics

A sample of forty‐two chronic schizophrenics were randomly assigned to one of two groups given three sessions of either massed or spaced practice on a pursuit rotor, and a group of sixteen depressives were given massed practice only. The results suggest that there are differences between the learning curves of these groups when compared with those of normals. Notable among these differences is the absence of reminiscence after massed practice, and the failure of spaced practice to give the usual distinct superiority over massed. Statistical analysis of the data confirms the inferiority of the psychotics in respect of level of learning, but fails to show any other marked differences in the nature of the learning curves. The results are discussed primarily in the context of Hullian learning theory

Economics · Epistemology · Critical Realism in Sociology · Philosophy · Social and Cultural Dynamics · Sociology and Norbert Elias