Measurement-comparable effect sizes for single-case studies of free-operant behavior

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Research Methodology
• Psychology

Background:

• Single-case research evaluates interventions on individual cases by comparing outcomes over time.
• Synthesizing single-case research using meta-analysis faces challenges with comparable effect size metrics across varied operational procedures.
• Free-operant behavior in single-case studies is often measured via diverse direct observation procedures, complicating effect size comparability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe a suite of effect size metrics for quantifying changes in free-operant behavior within single-case research.
• To establish precise measurement comparability for effect sizes, even when outcomes are operationalized differently.
• To provide effect size estimators applicable to stable behavior within treatment conditions.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes effect size metrics derived from an alternating renewal process model.
• The proposed metrics are designed to align with actual direct observation data collection and summarization practices.
• Methods are illustrated with two examples, including a re-analysis of a systematic review.

Main Results:

• A suite of effect size metrics is described for quantifying changes in free-operant behavior.
• The proposed metrics allow for precise establishment of measurement comparability.
• The effect size estimators are applicable to behaviors demonstrating stability within treatment conditions.

Conclusions:

• The developed effect size metrics enhance the comparability of outcomes in single-case research, particularly for free-operant behavior.
• These metrics offer a precise and practical approach to synthesizing single-case data collected through various direct observation methods.
• The study provides valuable tools for more robust meta-analysis in single-case experimental designs.