Irony comprehension in schizophrenia: Development, content validity and “Known-Groups” validity of an Indian, comic-based, computerized task

Abstract

Introduction: Irony comprehension (IC) has been described as a schizophrenia (SCZ) disease marker. High variability exists in the measurement of IC. We aimed to assess content and “known-groups” validity of an Indian, comic-based, computerized-IC task. Methods: A 15-story IC task was prepared. Content validity of the IC task stimuli was assessed by experts in mental health. Performance on the IC task was compared between 15 SCZ patients and 15 healthy controls (HC). Known-groups validity was assessed using discriminant function analysis. Results: Content validity of the IC task was optimum. Lower number of correct responses and longer reaction times for irony stimuli were seen in SCZ patients, compared to HC. Both these measures showed 100% accuracy in discriminating SCZ from HC, therefore, implying excellent “known-groups” validity. Conclusion: The newly designed IC task has good psychometric properties, in terms of content and “known-groups” validity.

Keywords

• schizophrenia
• social cognition
• validity
• verbal irony