Psychology Chapter 14 – Single-Case Research

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary unit of analysis in single-case experimental designs?

Population samples

Groups of participants

Average responses

Individual participants (correct)

What is a key criticism of group experimental designs regarding error variance?

It is ignored (correct)

It is the sole focus

It is overly emphasized

It is analyzed in depth

In an ABA design, what does the last phase (A) signify?

Random assignment of participants

Implementation of new variables

Introduction of the independent variable

Return to baseline conditions (correct)

What does an ABAB design specifically aim to demonstrate?

Effects of an independent variable and its reversal Signup and view all the answers

Which design is characterized by varying nonzero levels of the independent variable?

Multiple-I design Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of single-participant designs compared to group designs?

Increased understanding of generalizability Signup and view all the answers

What is a common goal of researchers using single-participant designs?

To replicate effects of the independent variable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of single-case experimental designs?

Average data for statistical analysis Signup and view all the answers

What design introduces a baseline period between each successive introduction of a level of the independent variable?

ABACA design Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary strength of multiple baseline designs?

They document selective effects of a variable on specific behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What analysis method is often used in single-participant designs to interpret findings?

Graphic analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a drawback of single-case experimental designs?

Ethical issues related to treatment withdrawal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a case study in research?

To conduct a detailed study of an individual, group, or event. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary uses of case study research?

To describe rare phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT typically a source of data for case studies?

Experimental manipulation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common critique of single-participant designs?

Low external validity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Single-Case Experimental Designs

Unit of analysis focuses on individual participants rather than groups.
Involves small groups, typically between three to eight participants.
Each participant's responses analyzed independently, promoting individualized insights.
Group designs often ignore error variance; single-case designs capture it to depict intra-participant variance.
Lack of generalizability in single-participant designs; general patterns may not reflect individual variability.
Averages in group experiments mask unique individual responses; single-participant designs avoid this to highlight distinctive behaviors.
Reliability tests often lacking; group designs usually report effects once without assessing their consistency.
Aim to replicate independent variable effects consistently across trials.

Basic Single-Case Experimental Designs

ABA Designs: Consists of Baseline (A), Independent Variable (B), and Reversal to Baseline (A) to show effects and cessation of outcomes.
ABAB Designs: Similar to ABA, but the independent variable is reintroduced.
Multiple-I Designs: Different nonzero levels of the independent variable are presented.
ABC Design: Baseline (A) followed by one level of the independent variable (B), then removal followed by another level (C).
ABACA Design: Baseline inserted between each level introduction of the independent variable.
Multiple Baseline Designs: Assesses multiple behaviors simultaneously, introducing the independent variable hypothesized to affect one behavior at a time.
Strengths include documenting selective effects of treatments and proving a behavior change without affecting others.
Data analysis involves graphic analysis and visual inspection of changes.

Drawbacks of Single-Case Designs

Results can be ambiguous, not always leading to clear conclusions.
Ethics regarding withdrawal of beneficial treatments create concerns.

Historical Context and Applications

Single-case designs are foundational in psychology, especially during the early days of behavioral science.
Key in operant conditioning studies, especially regarding reinforcement and punishment schedules.
Widely used in behavior modification interventions.

Case Study Research

A case study entails an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event.
Data sources include observations, interviews, questionnaires, news reports, and archival records.
Useful for generating insights, describing rare phenomena, and conducting exploratory research.

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Description

This quiz focuses on single-case experimental designs as discussed in Chapter 14 of Psychology. It explores the unique approach of analyzing individual participants rather than groups and discusses the criticisms of group designs. Test your understanding of the intricacies of single-case research and its implications in psychological experiments.