Single Subject Research Methodology in Behavioral Sciences

Book excerpt: This book is written for student researchers, practitioners, and university faculty who are interested in answering applied research questions and objectively evaluating educational and clinical practices. The basic tenet of single-subject research methodology is that the individual is of primary importance and that each individual study participant serves as his or her own control. It is because of this focus on the individual that clinicians and educators have been using single-subject research designs for over 40 years to answer applied research questions. Although the methodology has its roots in behavioral psychology and applied behavioral analysis, it has been used by applied researchers across a variety of disciplines such as special education, speech and communication sciences, language and literacy, therapeutic recreation, occupational therapy, and social work. Key features include the following: Applied Focus – More than any other text, this one focuses on the nuts and bolts of how to use single-subject research in constructing one’s research project or in evaluating one’s professional practice. Numerous and Varied Examples – The book abounds in examples from special education and other disciplines and populations within the applied research literature. Reader Friendly – The text is written in a reader friendly style, features sample data sheets and graphic displays, and includes detailed guidelines for conducting visual analysis of graphic data. Expertise – The author’s long and distinguished career in teaching single-subject research is augmented in this book by contributions from other experts in the field.