Backward masking, information processing, and schizophrenia.

Many researchers have used backward masking to examine information-processing speed in schizophrenic subjects. The validity of this approach rests upon two main assumptions. One is that the mask effectively limits the time a previously presented stimulus is available for processing. The other is that the components of the masking mechanism in schizophrenic subjects are comparable to those in control groups. It is argued that the masking procedures used in these studies fail to meet either assumption. Alternative interpretations of these investigations, however, suggest important hypotheses for further research in our quest to understand information-processing deficits associated with schizophrenia.