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Using the conditional inference paradigm to explore the basis for reduced mismatch negativity (MMN) size in individuals with schizophrenia

thesis
posted on 2025-05-10, 08:28 authored by Ellen Smith
Scope: The scope of this thesis includes a review of existing literature on various theories put forward to explain the reduction of event-related potential component, mismatch negativity (MMN) in the mental illness schizophrenia. Evaluation of existing literature builds the argument for purpose and experimental design of this thesis. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to explore the integrity of the inferential process and basis for reduced MMN in schizophrenia. Methodology: The thesis features the application of a novel MMN paradigm to explore what is impaired and what is intact in the inferential process underlying MMN generation in schizophrenia. Sixty-five participants (35 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 30 matched controls) completed the MMN paradigm together with cognitive testing and clinical assessment. Results: The data indicate that although MMN is smaller in size in this sample (replicating prior research), persons with schizophrenia are equivalent in their ability to reduced MMN size to a deviant when the timing of its occurrence can be inferred from predictive cues. Conclusions and Implications. The paradigm was designed on the assumption that the reduced size of MMN to a predictable deviation reflects a dynamic shift in a perceptual inference model. This process is intact within schizophrenia. However, our data reveal other group differences within the paradigm that have methodological implications for research in this field.

History

Year awarded

2013.0

Thesis category

  • Masters Degree (Coursework)

Degree

Masters of Clinical Psychology (MClinPsych)

Supervisors

Todd, Juanita (University of Newcastle)

Language

  • en, English

College/Research Centre

Faculty of Science and Information Technology

School

School of Psychology

Rights statement

Copyright 2013 Ellen Smith

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