Relation Between Sequence Learning and SRS-A Scores

An overall probabilistic learning score was computed by subtracting the mean RT of all standard trials (Block 1–9) from the mean RT of all deviant trials (Block 1–9). An overall deterministic learning score was computed by subtracting the mean RT of the final Block (9) from the first Block (1). Pearson’s correlations between the probabilistic/deterministic learning score and SRS-A were analyzed. First, all participants (i.e., TD and ASD) were included to investigate social impairments as a spectrum. Because of the uncertainty regarding different learning mechanisms in ASD, subsequent within-group correlations were analyzed. To ensure that none of these correlations were due to outlier participants, data points with Cook’s distances > 1.00 were removed from the analysis (Cook and Weisberg 1982). Cook’s distances were determined by using a simple linear regression analysis with SRS-A score as independent variable, and learning score as dependent variable.