Chapter 14: Single-Case Research Designs

Single-Case Designs

Used with only one participant in the entire study, allows researchers to identify cause-and-effect relationships

Baseline

Measure baseline behavior before administering treatment

Repeated observations

Multiple measures obtained during a stable baseline and treatment

Replication

If behavior changes when the condition change, change must be demonstrated a second time before drawing conclusions

Phase

Series of observations made under the same conditions

Baseline phase

Series of observations made in absence of treatment

Treatment phase

Series of observations made during treatment

Level (of behavior)

Magnitude of participant’s responses

Trend

Consistent increase or decrease in magnitude of behavior (in a phase)

Stability

Degree of variability in observations