Small N Designs in Psychology

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a small N design?

Data from different subjects is pooled and combined (correct)

Requires one or a very few subjects

Intensively studies the behavior of a few subjects

Typically measures a subject's behavior many times

What is the primary purpose of a baseline measurement in a small N design?

To determine the duration of the treatment.

To ensure that the treatment is effective.

To identify the participant's starting point before treatment. (correct)

To establish a control group for comparison.

A researcher wants to investigate the effectiveness of a new medication on anxiety. They measure a participant's anxiety levels before and after administering the medication. This is an example of which type of design?

ABA design (correct)

Multiple baseline design

ABABA design

Large N design

What is the main reason for using an ABABA design instead of an ABA design?

To further confirm that any observed changes in behavior are due to the treatment (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using a multiple baseline design?

It is suitable for investigating the effects of treatment on multiple behaviors (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to investigate the effectiveness of a new teaching method on student comprehension. They measure student comprehension levels on different topics, such as math and reading, before and after implementing the new teaching method. This is an example of which type of design?

Multiple baseline design (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are small N designs often used for studying rare behaviors or conditions?

Small N designs allow for a more in-depth examination of individual behavior (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT an advantage of small N designs?

Generalizability of findings to a larger population is difficult (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a Changing Criterion Design?

It is often used when effects are reversible. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a Discrete Trials Design?

It allows for a more precise measurement of the effects of the independent variable. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the example of the architecture student, what was the independent variable in the study?

Positive attention from the professors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a Discrete Trials Design?

To measure the magnitude and reliability of the independent variable's effects. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the study by Irvy and Lebby (1993), what was the dependent variable?

The accuracy and speed of tone discrimination. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key feature of a Changing Criterion Design that distinguishes it from other designs?

The systematic alteration of the reinforcement criteria. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Discrete Trials Design differ from the Changing Criterion Design?

The Discrete Trials Design relies on repeated trials, while the Changing Criterion Design uses a continuous measurement approach. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a valid application of a Changing Criterion Design?

Testing the effectiveness of a new weight loss plan. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of establishing a baseline in a Changing Criterion Design?

To measure the starting point of the behavior that needs to be changed. (C) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Small N Designs

Small N designs study the behavior of one or a few subjects intensely, measuring their behavior many times.
Subjects can be studied over extended periods (weeks, months, years).
Useful when studying rare populations or behaviors that are difficult to observe in large groups.
Data from individual subjects is critically examined, not pooled or obscured as in large N studies.
Often involve intensive sessions/repetitions to confirm results are not due to chance.
Examples include studying the effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy on pedophiles, or the impact of different teaching methods on student comprehension.
Baseline measurement(s) of behavior are essential components of design. This serves as a control to assess the impact of an experimental manipulation.

ABA/ABAB Designs

ABA Design: (Reversal Design) This sequence uses:
- A (baseline): Measures behavior without intervention
- B (intervention): Introduces an experimental condition
- A (baseline again): Removes the intervention to verify that behavior change is linked to the IV.
ABAB Design: Adds a second application of B (intervention) after the return to A (baseline). A second baseline measurement condition is used to further confirm a correlation between intervention and behavior changes.

Multiple Baseline Designs

Researchers assess the effect of a treatment on two or more different behaviors, or in different settings for the same behavior.
Treatment isn't withdrawn, even if positive change occurs (useful in irreversible effects).
Treatment can be applied sequentially to different behaviors or settings in the same subject.
- An example includes applying a treatment, like teacher positive attention, first to one subject behavior then moving on to another.

Changing Criterion Designs

Used to modify behavior in stages.
Success criteria (rewards/reinforcements) are adjusted as the behavior changes.
Helpful when shaping a particular behavior.
Example: a basketball team rewarded for punctuality, then gradually for skill improvements.

Discrete Trials Design

Many trials are presented and averaged to measure effects of an independent variable.
Repetitive applications provide a reliable picture of IV effects.
Typically used for psychophysical research.
Provides repeated trials/conditions to evaluate the effects of the IV.
An example study investigates if different sides of the brain process different tone frequencies in a more efficient manner.
The subjects judged whether different frequencies were higher or lower than a target tone presented to either ear.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of Small N designs in psychological research, focusing on intensive studies of individual subjects. It discusses various designs, including ABA/ABAB designs, and highlights the importance of baseline measurements in experimental manipulation. Understand how these designs can unveil insights into rare populations and behaviors.