Abstract
This study attempted to measure imaginal processes in schizophrenics by sampling their ongoing stream of consciousness. The primary issue examined was the occurrence and vividness of auditory and visual imagery in the thought samples of Feighner criterion schizophrenic versus nonschizophrenic patients. Thought samples were validated against the Imaginal Processes Inventory; medication effects were monitored. All comparisons revealed a lack of significant association between diagnosis and thought sample variables, supporting earlier studies using questionnaire techniques. Schizophrenia did not appear to have a profound effect upon imagery. Greater occurrence of auditory imagery was observed among schizophrenic patients who hallucinate versus those who do not hallucinate, but there was no evidence to suggest that such auditory imagery was typically experienced as particularly vivid. Some possible predisposing factors to hallucination are discussed.
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