Cognition and symptomatology in schizophrenia.

The experimental work on cognitive processes in schizophrenia is critically reviewed with respect to its relevance in understanding schizophrenic symptomatology. Several logical and empirical issues that complicate any comprehensive attempt to relate schizophrenic symptoms and information processing are discussed. Studies germane to schizophrenic sensory/perceptual, cognitive, affective, and motor anomalies are examined, and it is concluded that the cognitive approach to these areas is promising, but further research and theory elaboration will be required in order to provide a firm basis for cognitively oriented intervention attempts.