Is semantic processing impaired in individuals with high schizotypy?

Semantic processing deficits are present in schizophrenia. However, this research has often been criticized for methodological artifacts and confounds, including long hospitalizations and medication of patient samples. Utilizing high schizotypes (psychosis-prone individuals) can overcome these confounds. Previously, similar deficits have been reported in high schizotypes and schizophrenia on semantic priming tasks. In contrast to schizophrenia research, no other types of semantic processing have been examining in high schizotypes. Semantic processing is multifaceted, thus, deficits on semantic priming can not answer whether high schizotypes have difficulty with explicit semantic processing, that is, on tasks that require the conscious recollection of semantic information. In the current study, 24 high and 30 low scorers on the O-LIFE schizotypy scale were administered a battery of semantic processing measures. The high schizotypy group did not show global semantic processing impairments (as has been shown in schizophrenia), only impairments on a task designed to examine subtle categorization processing. Such deficits can be equated to those found on semantic priming tasks, in that both require quick and accurate access to semantic networks.