A Primer on Single-Case Research Designs: Contemporary Use and Analysis

Area of Science:

• Special Education Research
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Psychology

Background:

• Single-case research designs (SCRDs) are crucial for evidence-based practices in special education.
• Understanding SCRDs is essential for researchers and practitioners to conduct valid studies.
• Existing literature often lacks a comprehensive overview of SCRD methodology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the fundamental principles and application of rigorous single-case research designs (SCRDs).
• To provide researchers and practitioners with guidelines for selecting and implementing appropriate SCRDs.
• To enhance the quality and rigor of research conducted in special education and related fields.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of basic SCRD types and their suitability for different research questions.
• Examination of threats to internal validity and strategies for mitigation.
• Presentation of contemporary standards for rigor, measurement, description, and outcomes in SCRDs.
• Overview of data analytic techniques for assessing rigor, outcomes, and effect sizes.

Main Results:

• SCRDs allow for the investigation of individual participant responses to interventions.
• Identifying and controlling threats to internal validity is key to establishing causality.
• Adherence to established standards ensures the reliability and validity of research findings.
• Appropriate data analysis techniques are vital for interpreting results and demonstrating functional relations.

Conclusions:

• Rigorous SCRDs are indispensable for advancing knowledge and practice in special education.
• The article provides a foundational framework for utilizing SCRDs effectively.
• Implementing the discussed guidelines will improve the quality and impact of single-case research.