Study Guide: Single-Case Design and Experimental Research

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.