A Simple Spatial Working Memory and Attention Test on Paired Symbols Shows Developmental Deficits in Schizophrenia Patients

Figure 1

Example of a single trial and examples of 4 loads of difficulty. An example of a single trial ((a), (b), and (c)). The stimulus phase with learning time (Lt) of either 2 seconds or 0.5 seconds (a), the symbols then disappear during delay span (𝐷) for either 2 seconds or 0.5 seconds (b). After the delay span, the participant is prompted to select the location of the missing part of the symbol pair with the pointing device (c). (d) shows a participant taking the test. (e)–(h) show examples of the 4 loads of difficulty. Difficulty load 1 is not used in results and exists only to provide a short practice exercise for the subject prior to the administration of the real test. Loads 2 to 4 are used to produce test results, and illustrate the number of paired symbols in each load.