Single Case Research Methodology

The fourth edition of this bestselling text provides a comprehensive discussion of single case research methodology, with updated information throughout the book, including new content on design types, design selection, social validity, fidelity, generality, visual analysis and writing. Students, researchers, and practitioners can use this detailed reference tool to conduct single case research design studies; interpret findings of single case design studies; and write proposals, manuscripts, or systematic reviews of single case methodology research. The new text features updates relevant to contemporary guidelines about single case research and includes examples of recent and historical studies in education and behavioral sciences.

Jennifer R. Ledford is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. David L. Gast is Professor Emeritus of Special Education in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education at the University of Georgia.

Preface Section 1 1. Research Approaches Callouts: 1-1: Questions for Scientist-Practitioners 2. External Validity and Generalizable Knowledge 3. Establishing Internal Validity via Within-Study Replication 4. Selection, Characterization, and Measurement of Dependent Variables Callouts: 4-1: A Commentary on Why Interval Systems are Used Despite Evidence of Inaccuracy 5. Reliability and Validity of Dependent Variables 6. Development and Measurement of Independent Variables 7. Measuring Generality and Social Validity in Single Case Research Callouts: 7-1: Labeling Generalization and Maintenance Conditions 8. Data Representation and Performance Characteristics Section 2 9. Conducting Studies Using Sequential Introduction and Withdrawal of Conditions Callouts: 9-1: Baseline, Business-As-Usual, and Treatment Conditions 9-2: Applied Example of Withdrawal Design 9-3: Applied Example of Reversal Design 9-4: Applied Example of Multitreatment Design 9-5: Applied Example of Changing Criterion Design 10 Analyzing Data from Studies Using Sequential Introduction and Withdrawal of Conditions Callouts: 10-1: Should I Include Extra Phases to Establish Non-Effects? 10-2: Reliability of Visual Analysis 10-3: Applied Example of Withdrawal Design 10-4: Applied Example of Reversal Design 10-5: Applied Example of Multitreatment Design 10-6: Applied Example of Changing Criterion Design 11 Conducting Studies Using Time Lagged Condition Ordering Callouts 11-1: Selecting Intervention Targets 11-2: How Rigorous are Nonconcurrent MB Designs? 11-3: Applied Example of Multiple Baseline Across Participants Design 11-4: Applied Example of Multiple Baseline Across Behaviors Design 11-5: Applied Example of Multiple Probe across Behaviors Design (Days Variation) 11-6: Applied Example of Multiple Probe Across Participants Design (Days Variation) 11-7: How do I Choose Between Multiple Baseline and Multiple Probe Design Variations 12 Analyzing Data from Studies Using Time Lagged Conditions Callouts 12-1: Masked Visual Analysis 12-2: Baseline Lengths: How Different is Different Enough? 12-3: Inconsistent Inter-Participant Replication in Single Case Design Studies 12-4: Applied Example of Multiple Baseline across Participants Design 12-5: Applied Example of Multiple Baseline across Behaviors Design 12-6: Applied Example of Multiple Probe across Behaviors Design 12-7: Applied Example of Multiple Probe across Participants Design 13 Conducting Studies Using Rapid Iterative Alternation of Conditions Callouts 13-1: What's in a Name? Multielement versus Alternating Treatments Designs 13-2: Applied Example of ME-ATD 13-3: Why do You Need Multiple Behavior Sets for AATDs but not ME-ATDs? 13-4: Applied Example of AATD 13-5: Applied Example of a Repeated Acquisition Design 13-6: Applied Example of Simultaneous Treatments Procedure 14 Analyzing Data from Studies Using Rapid Iterative Alternation Callouts 14-1: Applied Example of ME-ATD 14-2: Applied Example of AATD 14-3: Applied Example of Repeated Acquisition 15 Selecting and Combining Designs Section 3 16 Ethical Principles and Practices in Research 17 Evaluating Single Case Research 18 Writing Research Proposals and Empirical Reports 19 Conducting Systematic Reviews and Syntheses Index