Study Guide: Single-Case Design and Experimental Research

Study Notes

Independent and Dependent Variables

Independent variable: Variable manipulated or controlled by the researcher to study its effect on the dependent variable.
Dependent variable: Variable measured to determine the effect of the independent variable.
Example: Teaching method (independent variable) vs. students' test scores (dependent variable).

Methodological Design

Advantages: Allows for detailed analysis of individual behavior, useful for studying rare phenomena.
Disadvantages: Limited generalizability, potential for bias in interpretation.

Types of Validity

Internal Validity: Ensures a study accurately reflects the true relationship between variables.
External Validity: Extent to which study findings can be generalized to other populations or settings.
Social Validity: Relevance and importance of the study findings to society.
Example: Internal validity in a study on a new therapy for anxiety ensures changes in anxiety levels are due to the therapy, not other factors.

Baseline Logic

Prediction: Establishing a baseline to predict future behavior.
Verification: Testing whether changes in behavior occur when the independent variable is introduced.
Replication: Repeating the study to confirm results.

Functional Relations

Definition: Relationship between the independent and dependent variables, showing the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
Example: Increasing study time (independent variable) leads to higher test scores (dependent variable).

Inter-Observer Agreement (IOA)

Calculation: Measure of agreement between two or more observers scoring the same behavior.
Types: Total, Interval, Occurrence/Non-occurrence.
Example: Calculating percentage of agreement between two observers recording a child's instances of hitting during a play session.

Program Adherence

Definition: Consistency with which a program or treatment is implemented as intended.
Example: Consistently following prescribed steps for rewarding desired behaviors in a behavior modification program.

Data Collection Techniques

Latency: Measure of the time it takes for a behavior to occur after a stimulus.
Interval Recording: Recording whether a behavior occurs during specific time intervals.
Example: Using interval recording to track the occurrence of tantrums every 5 minutes during a therapy session.

Visually Analyzing Graphs

Baseline Logic Concepts: Level, trend, variability.
Determining Experimental Control: Assessing whether changes in behavior are due to the intervention.
Example: Analyzing a graph showing decreasing levels of aggression over time after implementing a behavior intervention.

Identifying Single-Case Designs

ABAB Design: Introducing and withdrawing the intervention to demonstrate its effect.
Multiple Baseline Design: Implementing the intervention across different behaviors, settings, or individuals.
Changing Criterion Design: Gradually changing the criteria for success to shape behavior.
Multielement Design: Comparing the effects of multiple interventions.
Example: Using an ABAB design to assess the effectiveness of a reinforcement strategy on reducing disruptive behavior.

Other Designs and Concepts

Multi-Probe Design: Periodic assessment of behavior without systematic manipulation.
Parametric Analysis: Manipulating the intensity or magnitude of the independent variable.
Component Analysis: Identifying the specific components of an intervention that are effective.
Combined Designs: Incorporating elements of multiple designs.
Simultaneous Treatment: Administering multiple treatments simultaneously to compare their effects.
Generalization and Maintenance: Extending behavior change to new settings or maintaining behavior change over time.

Description

Learn about independent and dependent variables, methodological design, and more in the context of single-case design and experimental research. Explore definitions and examples to enhance your understanding.