Anxiety,Learning Sets,and Sociopathy

Abstract

This study attempted to determine if lack of ability to profit from past experience was characteristic of primary or secondary sociopathics. Sociopathic and normal Ss were divided into high- and low-anxiety groups on the basis of the Lykken Activity Preference Questionnaire, the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, and the Welsh Anxiety Index. Using a modified Wisconsin General Test Apparatus, Ss were given a series of problems in order to observe the rate of formation of learning sets, this being one method for determining whether S profits from past experience. “Learning to learn” occurred in all groups. There were no significant differences among the four groups regardless of the anxiety scale used. If either secondary or primary sociopathics do exhibit an inability to profit from past experience, then it may be only in learning situations which involve noxious stimuli.