Honoring Uncontrolled Events: Commentary on Slocum et al

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Experimental Psychology
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Single-case experimental designs are crucial for establishing causality in behavioral research.
• Multiple-baseline designs are a key methodology within single-case research.
• Recent work reassesses the nonconcurrent multiple-baseline design's utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide commentary on Slocum et al.'s (2022) reassessment of nonconcurrent multiple-baseline designs.
• To offer considerations for researchers evaluating single-case multiple-baseline designs.
• To compare the internal validity of concurrent versus nonconcurrent multiple-baseline designs.

Main Methods:

• This study is a methodological commentary, analyzing existing research and theoretical frameworks.
• It critically evaluates the strengths and limitations of nonconcurrent multiple-baseline designs.
• Comparison is made with concurrent multiple-baseline designs regarding threats to internal validity.

Main Results:

• Nonconcurrent multiple-baseline designs are a credible approach for demonstrating experimental control.
• Concurrent multiple-baseline designs offer superior control over threats to internal validity.
• The concurrent format is recommended as the preferred option for robust research.

Conclusions:

• The reassessment of nonconcurrent multiple-baseline designs is warranted, elevating their status.
• Researchers should prioritize concurrent multiple-baseline designs for stronger internal validity.
• Methodological rigor in single-case research necessitates careful consideration of design choices.