Project
ABA 534 – Module 1.2 STUDY OF THE INDIVIDUAL IN CONTEXT
| Measurement and Experimental Evaluation of Behavioral Interventions I |
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Chapter Overview
Single-case designs will be discussed in the following contexts:
The study of the individual in the uncontrolled case study
Historical overview of research with the single case
Contemporary development of single-case methodology
Current issues in intervention research
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Study of the Individual In Context
THE UNCONTROLLED CASE STUDY
MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS
Intensive study of the individual
Richly detailed information in narrative form
Complexity and nuances of case are conveyed
Information is often retrospective
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Study of the Individual In Context
THE UNCONTROLLED CASE STUDY
Strengths and Value of the Case Study
Source of ideas and hypotheses
Source for developing therapy techniques
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Study of the Individual In Context
Study of rare phenomenon
Providing a counter instance
Persuasive and motivational value
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Study of the Individual In Context
THE UNCONTROLLED CASE STUDY
Methodological Limitations
Rely on anecdotal information
Alternative explanations are available
Findings may not be generalizable
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HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH WITH THE SINGLE CASE
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Historical Overview
Experimental Psychology
Late 1880’s – Early 1900’s:
Research with one or a few subjects was the rule
These studies were the basis for many advances
Pavlov
Thorndike
KEY POINT: Group studies and statistical analyses were not always the norm in psychology
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Historical Overview
The Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Basic animal research in operant conditioning
Single-case designs as a methodological approach
The effects of experimental manipulations could be seen in the continuous measurement of individual behavior
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Historical Overview
Applied Behavior Analysis
This field emerged when findings from the basic operant labs were extended to humans
The field of applied behavior analysis was recognized formally in the late 1960’s
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CURRENT ISSUES
EVIDENCED-BASED INTERVENTIONS
INCREASED EVALUATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY
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CURRENT ISSUES
Identifying interventions that are based on strong empirical evidence. Criteria include:
Sound research methodology
Careful specification of research participants and procedures
Replication of intervention effects
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CURRENT ISSUES
Increased Evaluation and Accountability.
What are we getting for our money? Do these interventions make a difference?
Prompted by cost control or funding agencies
Single-case designs offer continuous measure over time and are ideal for evaluating the impact of programs
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Historical Overview SINGLE-CASE EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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Created by: Kathleen Dyer, CCC-SLP, BCBA-D, LABA Adjunct Faculty, ABA Programs
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