Masking task load modulates latent inhibition: Support for a distraction model of irrelevant information processing by high schizotypal participants

The effects of masking task load on latent inhibition (LI, poorer learning for a previously exposed irrelevant stimulus than for a novel stimulus) were examined as a function of levels of schizotypality. With low load, LI was present in low schizotypal but not high schizotypal participants. With high load, LI was abolished in low schizotypal, but was present in high schizotypal participants. The data support a distraction rather than a resource limitation model of attentional dysfunction in high schizotypal normals. Implications of the model for understanding the attentional dysfunction in schizophrenia are discussed.