Single Subject Design, Questionnaires, and Case Reports – DPT 6112 Review

These flashcards cover key concepts from the DPT 6112 lecture on single subject design, questionnaire methodology, and case reports, including definitions, advantages/disadvantages, design guidelines, interpretation principles, and assignment reminders.

What is a single subject design in research?

A research approach that uses repeated measurements to evaluate the effect of an intervention on one case over time, with the subject serving as their own control.

In single subject design, what role does the baseline period (A) play?

It acts as the control condition against which intervention effects (B, C) are compared.

Why might researchers choose single subject design over group studies?

To capture individual differences, limit intersubject variability, and when groups are not available.

Give two examples of interrupted time-series single subject designs.

AB and A-B-A designs.

What ethical concern arises with an A-B-A-B design in single subject research?

Withdrawing an effective treatment to re-establish baseline can be unethical.

Name two common problems with the A-B-C single subject design.

1) Lack of return to baseline, 2) Carry-over influence of treatment B on treatment C.

Why is establishing reliability and validity of measures critical in single subject studies?

Because conclusions rely on accurate, consistent repeated measurements of the same individual.

List two visual features you inspect when interpreting single subject graphs.

Level (mean change) and trend (direction of data points).

What baseline trend is considered ideal before introducing treatment in single subject design?

A stable trend or one moving opposite to the expected treatment change.

State one major internal validity threat to single subject design.

History or uncontrolled events that coincide with the intervention period.

When is mathematical/statistical analysis most needed in single subject design?

When there is substantial overlap between baseline and treatment data points.

Define generalizability in the context of single subject studies.

The extent to which results apply to other subjects, therapists, or settings.

Identify two major difficulties in using questionnaires for data collection.

Designing a reliable/valid questionnaire and convincing people to respond honestly and promptly.

Compared with interviews, questionnaires have what key financial benefit?

They are generally less costly to administer.

What is the primary disadvantage of questionnaires regarding response validity?

Researchers cannot ensure that returned answers are truthful or accurately completed.

List two advantages of interviews over questionnaires.

They yield richer data and allow probing follow-up questions.

How does questionnaire length typically affect response rates?

Longer questionnaires decrease the likelihood of subjects responding.

Why should each questionnaire question be able to ‘stand alone’?

To ensure clarity and relevance without relying on context from other questions.

What is the goal when wording each questionnaire item?

All respondents should interpret the question in exactly the same way.

State two wording guidelines for effective questionnaire design.

Use short, grammatically correct sentences and avoid value-laden words or double negatives.

What does the Gunning Fog Index estimate?

The reading grade level required to comprehend a piece of text.

According to the Fog Index table, what reading level does a score of 12 indicate?

High School Senior level reading.

Give one advantage and one disadvantage of closed-ended questionnaire questions.

Advantage: Easy to summarize and analyze. Disadvantage: May reduce data richness and validity.

Give one advantage and one disadvantage of open-ended questionnaire questions.

Advantage: Less subject to researcher bias and allow nuanced responses. Disadvantage: Difficult and time-consuming to analyze.

When ordering questionnaire items, why start with interesting questions?

To engage participants and encourage continued completion of the survey.

Name two presentation tips to increase questionnaire return rates.

Keep total pages to a minimum and provide clear headings/instructions.

What is a common follow-up strategy after mailing questionnaires?

Sending a second mailing approximately two weeks later.

Differentiate a case report from a case study.

A case report describes clinical practice in one patient, whereas a case study provides more comprehensive, often qualitative, descriptions and may include multiple patients.

According to Haynes (1990), why must clinicians use caution when applying case reports to practice?

Most case reports generate hypotheses rather than provide definitive guidance, risking misapplication to other patients.

List three functions of case reports in clinical practice.

Convey experiences, generate hypotheses for future research, and provide teaching material.

Name three focus areas commonly highlighted in physical therapy case reports.

Unique clinical problems, differential diagnosis, and measurement issues.

What section of a case report briefly states the clinical question or hypothesis?

The Introduction or Statement of Question section.

Which part of a case report details pre- and post-intervention examinations?

Examination/Evaluation and Re-examination/Outcomes sections.

Why should outcome measures (e.g., ROM, MMT) be included in a case report?

To objectively document changes attributable to the intervention.

List four standard sections in the outline of a PT case report.

Abstract, Introduction, Patient Description/History, Intervention, and Outcomes/Discussion.

What is one potential ethical dilemma when publishing patient case reports?

Ensuring patient confidentiality and obtaining informed consent for publication.

How can case reports contribute to theory evolution?

By providing practical observations that can lead to revised or new theoretical frameworks.

When will Assignment 1 for DPT 6112 be due?

By 11:59 PM on 6/7.

On what date is Quiz 1 scheduled?

6/14.