Single Subject Design

1
Single Subject Design Statistical Tests

• Psyc 3705
• Thanks to John Stanton for some of the material
  is this PowerPoint!

2
1-1 Be able to tell me the function of a
research design and data analysis

• Research is designed in such a way to
• 1. Allow for the effect of the independent
  variable to be apparent in the dependent variable
• 2. Control for extraneous variables and other
  possible explanations for the change in the DV
• 3. Present/analyze the data in a format that
  makes sense for interpreting what occurred in the
  study.

3
1-2 Be able to describe in general terms what a
single subject research design is.

• Single subject research designs
• Typically examines one participant at a time to
  investigate the effects of an IV on a DV (e.g. a
  treatment on some behavior of that participant.
• Generally will use multiple (i.e. 6-10
  participants) which are basically replications of
  the research each time an additional participant
  is used.

4
Example of SSD
5
1-3. Know the characteristics of SSD.

• Uses repeated measures
• Need reliable measurement/instrumentation
• Requires a clear description of conditions and
  the DV
• Measurement, IV and DV operationally defined
• 2 general types of phases (could have probes,
  etc.)
• Baseline and treatment conditions

6
1-4 Be able to list and describe the 2 phases of
a SSD.

• 1. Baseline
• Period of no treatment (IV) or traditional
  treatment (reflects natural state)
• Allows researched to have a comparison for the
  effect of IV and to determine if extraneous
  variables are operating (i.e. the control
  condition)

7
Phases of SSD (continued)

• 2. Treatment
• Introduction of the IV
• Phase length should be approximately at least as
  long as baseline (for comparison purposes)
• Repeated measurement of the DV continues

8

• JOURNAL OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS 2008, 41,
  131135 NUMBER 1 (SPRING 2008)
• TRAINING TO INCREASE SAFE TRAY CARRYING AMONG
• COCKTAIL SERVERS
• MEGAN D. SCHERRER AND DAVID A. WILDER
• FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

9

• JOURNAL OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS 2007, 40,
  223237 NUMBER 2 (SUMMER 2007)
• TEACHING MATH SKILLS TO AT-RISK STUDENTS USING
• HOME-BASED PEER TUTORING
• KRISTIN H. MAYFIELD AND TIMOTHY R. VOLLMER

10
1-5 Know the general rules when using single
subject designs

• Shouldnt change baseline until
• Little variability
• No trends
• Unless the trend is in the opposite direction of
  expected effect
• Only change one variable at a time
• (as you will not know which one caused any change
  in the DV!)

11
(No Transcript)
12
(No Transcript)
13
(No Transcript)
14
(No Transcript)
15
General rules for SSD

• Length of phase (suggestions)
• Keep all the similar length
• Controls for maturation
• To reduce carry over effects use shorter phases
  (treatment)
• Extend phases to include cyclic subject variables
• i.e. menstrual cycle, daily issues (weekends
  Monday)

16
Types of SSD

• Reversal design
• Alternating treatments design
• Multiple baseline design
• Changing criterion design

17

• http//www.baam.emich.edu/baamessentials/baamsingl
  esubject.htm
• http//www.practicalpress.net/updatenov05/SingleSu
  bject.html