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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.

Normal and schizophrenic Ss (N=24 each) performed a simple tapping task. The prediction that more involuntary rest pauses would be produced by schizophrenics than by normals was borne out. A discussion is given of the relation of these results to the interpretation of schizophrenia in terms of "arousal".

Studies have shown that subjects are not random in their responses, even when attempting to achieve randomness. In this study, normal and schizophrenic subjects were asked to give numbers from one to nine at random and paced. They were given an interpolated task, and then retested. Some statistical tests of degree of randomness were devised and it was shown that no subject was random, but that stereotypy decreased within and over test—retest. The results are discussed in terms of learning and extinction of stereotypy. Differences between introverts and extraverts were almost significant in the opposite direction from that predicted. Schizophrenics were significantly more stereotyped than normals. Finally, it was shown that for a normal subject, his test could be identified from other subjects' tests on the basis of retest protocol, the test protocol providing a kind of psychological ‘fingerprint’.

Summary In an attempt to improve the speed of mental functioning of schizophrenics, a group of eight patients was given practice in tests of intellectual speed and level for five consecutive days. Significant improvements attributable to practice were noted, particularly in the speed tests. A similarly marked improvement in mental speed scores was observed in a comparable group of seven normal subjects also tested on five consecutive days. A comparison of the two groups showed that the improvement in mental speed of the schizophrenics was superior to that of the normals, but this was not true in the level test. An experiment on the ldtransfer” of the found improvability of the schizophrenic subjects indicated that the improvement can be generalized, at least to similar tests of mental speed. The results are examined in terms of the concept of reactive inhibition, and the implications of the findings for the treatment of schizophrenics briefly noted.

A representative sample of Birmingham school children was given the Bender-Gestalt test at age 11 + along with cognitive and achievement tests. The Bender-Gestalt test was scored by four independent judges using the Koppitz (1964) system and the results examined for evidence of its inter-scorer reliability and its validity. Results indicate that the test can only be used with extreme caution.

In this combined behavioural and electrophysiological study of 51 normal young subjects, introverts and extraverts differed in per cent. time alpha and alpha amplitude. In contrast to earlier findings, introverts were higher in both. High and low scorers on neuroticism also differed in per cent. time alpha. Statistically significant associations were demonstrated between rate of change of potential (r.c.p) of the EEG and extraversion, and also between the frequency of the alpha rhythm and neuroticism. Thus relationships have been found between EEG parameters and behavioural measures of personality. The conflict with other findings and the relevance of this work to attempts to identity introversion– extraversion with "strength of the nervous system" or with "equilibrium in dynamism" are discussed.