The effects of diagnostic category and reinforcer on learning without awareness.

Abstract

Learning without awareness was tested by asking Ss to construct sentences using pronouns (I, we, he, they) and verbs presented to them. Three groups were employed[long dash]normals, neurotics, and schizophrenics, under 4 experimental conditions: (a) E "rewarded" (said "good" to) 2 of the pronouns (I, we); (b) the use of he or they was "punished" ("not so good"); (c) differential reinforcement as was appropriate re: "punishment" and "reward" when employing the pronouns; (d) control. Results: normals profited well from all conditions of reinforcement; neurotics, only from reward or reward and punishment; schizophrenics, from punishment alone.