Üksikjuhtumi uuringud spordis

Introduction to Single-Case Research

• Single-case research designs are a type of research design used in sport and exercise.
• This approach can complement traditional group designs, offering an alternative way to study phenomena.
• The perspective is primarily psychological but can be applied to other areas such as coaching, biomechanics, physiology, and nutrition.
• Single-case research designs involve manipulating variables to understand changes in a participant's behavior.

What is Single-Case Research?

• Data is typically collected from a single participant, but it can focus on an identifiable group.
• The researcher explores changes in response to manipulated variables, for example the influence of positive feedback on a player's confidence, or a psychological skills package on an athlete's anxiety.
• Multiple-baseline designs report data from typically three or four participants separately, where similar changes across cases strengthen conclusions due to replication of effects.
• Single-case designs, though sometimes seen as problematic, can significantly contribute to the field.

Single case vs Case Studies

• Case studies are often mistaken for single-case research but lack controlled and systematic conditions.
• In case studies, observations are made under uncontrolled and unsystematic conditions
• Case studies do not allow the experimenter to control the variables involved.
• Case studies may illustrate, educate and enlighten, but they lack the control and rigor for definite conclusions.

Single-Case Research Designs

• Single-case research overcomes the uncontrolled aspects of a case study.
• A researcher controls independent variables or introduces an intervention and examines its influence on the dependent variable(s).
• In an A-B design, data is recorded during a baseline phase (A) and compared with data after an intervention (B).
• An example of this is how anxiety may be recorded over eight competitions before and after a relaxation technique is administered.
• Observed differences in an A-B design may be a consequence of maturation.
• Designs where the intervention is withdrawn (A-B-A) or withdrawn and reintroduced (A-B-A-B) can strengthen confidence that changes are due to the intervention.
• It may not always be possible to withdraw an intervention.
• If the intervention involves learning a cognitive restructuring technique, it can be difficult for the participant to reverse their thought processes.

Why are Single-Case Research Designs Useful?

• Single-case research designs act as complements to controlled group designs.
• They allow interventions to be demonstrated at an individual level.
• Group-based designs often assess responses in controlled environments.
• Single-case research promotes naturalistic settings for assessing participants post-intervention.
• Naturalistic settings encourage treatment effects to be observed on ecologically valid tasks.
• Single-case research can be used to determine the effectiveness of interventions.
• Single-case research can usefully determine the effectiveness of interventions and add value to controlled group research.
• Single-case research enables practitioners to provide individualized training.
• Single-case research provides the opportunity to explore effective techniques in unique and uncommon populations.
• A study with performers may highlight consistent improvements in performance that have practical significance.
• Single-case research designs can identify whether or not a particular intervention is effective and how effective it is with specific participants.

Why are Single-Case Research Designs Important For Both Researcher and Practitioner?

• Change can be determined in small samples or individuals.
• Single-case research can provide evidence for the effectiveness of interventions.
• Evaluating intervention work is best achieved through single-case research designs.
• Sport psychologists have an ethical responsibility to monitor and evaluate the support offered.
• Evaluating the work done is a key part of accountability.
• Demonstrating effectiveness is of equal importance to both researchers and practitioners.

Summary

• Single-case research designs are a common feature in behavioral and health sciences settings.
• Use and dissemination of single-case research into sport and exercise literature has been less prevalent.
• Single-case designs allow the detection of positive effects for individuals that would otherwise have their success masked in a non-significant group design.
• Single-case research programs allow for programs to be tailored for individuals engaged in real lift sport.
• Single-case research has the potential to demonstrate tot consumers of sport and exercise services that improvements in athletic and exercise performance are due to interventions.
• Perhaps the underuse in sport and exercise reflect a lack of acceptance and reluctance by researchers and practitioners.
• Many practitioners within the area do not understand how best to apply the single-case method.
• The purpose of this book is to review single-case research in sport and exercise, and introduce the philosophical and procedural features of single-case research.
• It is intended for students, researchers and practitioners.
• Single-case research represents an effective (yet currently underused) supplement to group research.
• This allows researchers and consultants to determine the efficacy of biomechanical, physiological, psychological and coaching related interventions in the applied setting of the sports field or exercise room.