Investigating Schizotypy and Crime-Based Reasoning with Qualitative Methods: Investigating Schizotypy and Crime-Based Reasoning with Qualitative Methods

Qualitative data are presented following a series of four studies where participants completed a quantitative reasoning task followed by either an interview or an audio diary. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke 2006) with three main themes emerging: emotions; reasoning approach; and justifications. High schizotypal scorers demonstrated limited emotional responses compared with low scorers, and where emotions were expressed, individuals made these in relation to themselves rather than the presented scenario. Results contribute to a better understanding of the biases that high-scoring individuals experience and provide further evidence for ‘jump to conclusions’ biases in reasoning about crime.