Memory impairment in Schizophrenia (SCZ) is robust and associated with poor functional outcome. However, these correlations are only moderate in magnitude, leading some researchers to propose that metamemory deficits may also underpin poor memory performance and related functional deficits in this population. The purpose of this dissertation was to assess various aspects of metamemory performance among persons with SCZ. The studies are organized along a temporal continuum of metamemory processes, operating from retrieval to output. Study 1 evaluated whether persons with SCZ control retrieval by re-instating the processing mode employed at encoding (i.e., source-constrained retrieval). Participants studied words under deep or shallow conditions and then completed two recognition tests – a standard test followed by the memory-for-foils test (i.e., foils from the first test become targets on the second test). Only HCs in the deep encoding condition exhibited superior memory for foils, suggesting diminished source-constrained retrieval among persons with SCZ. In study 2, criterion setting and adjusting was investigated by altering the relative distinctiveness between lures and targets on two separate recognition tests. Persons with SCZ set a stricter criterion but adjusted it appropriately in response to lure distinctiveness (i.e., difficulty). In study 3, the strategic regulation of response granularity (i.e., from fine [e.g., 1:20 pm] to coarse [e.g. afternoon] was investigated by manipulating monetary incentives and penalties. Results show that persons with SCZ are overconfident in their memories and impaired in modulating granularity. Collectively these studies suggest a pattern of both intact and deficient metamemory skills characterize persons with SCZ. Possible underlying mechanisms and functional implications of this pattern are discussed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/35901 |
| Date | 08 August 2013 |
| Creators | McAnanama, Edward |
| Contributors | Christensen, Bruce |
| Source Sets | University of Toronto |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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