Single-Subject Research

It is an experimental design It is used by researchers to eliminate an

unwanted behavior or to enhance a desired behavior

It is used with one subject or small groups of subjects

It is primarily used in education and in clinical settings

It produces quantitative data

Definition

In single-subject research (based on the Behavioral principles of B.F. Skinner) the researcher is viewed as a “behavior-change agent”.

The Role of the Researcher

Behaviors can be academic or social

Behaviors are considered an dependent variable

Behaviors can be measured in objective ways

Behaviors must be clearly defined in observable and measureable ways

The Behavior

Brainstorm any behavior you can think of that might be improved or eliminated through a behavior-change study (1-minute write)

Examples

Observable – we have to be able to see a behavior in order to know whether or not it exists

Measurable – we have to be able to measure the behavior to determine if a problem really does exist or if our behavior-change program is having an effect on the behavior

Defining Behaviors in Observable and Measurable way

1. submitting work on time 2. spending time on task 3. taking medicine systematically 4. behaving appropriately

Which one is NOT currently written in observable and measurable terms? How can we rewrite the behavior in terms that will make it easy for a researcher to measure and quantify?

How can we make the other three behaviors even more quanitifiable?

Read the list of behaviors below…

Pair up and share your list of behaviors with a partner. Choose one behavior per pair and define it in observable and measurable terms.

Share these definitions with the class.

1. Permanent products2. Event recording3. Duration recording4. Latency recording5. Interval recording6. Momentary time sampling

Measuring the Behavior

Choose the method of measurement most appropriate for the behavior you and your partner chose.

Defend your choice.

1. Continuous recording 2. Sampling procedures

Where- choose the setting in which you will observe and measure your behavior

When- decide on the time constraints that lend themselves most appropriately to the behavior you are measuring

Observational Procedures

Once you have gathered information/data on your chosen behavior put it in graph format.

Examine the data. Does a behavior-change program need to be put in place? In other words, does your target behavior need to be increased or reduced based on the data you have collected?

BASELINE DATA

YES! Behavior-change is necessary!

The independent variable or the treatment is what you, the researcher, apply to change the behavior.

The Independent Variable

1. based on observation and/or interviews, questionnaires, etc., what treatment do consider mostly likely to have an effect on the behavior?

2. what treatment is most appropriate for the setting?

3. what treatment is most realistic for the setting and for you, the researcher to apply consistently?

Things to Consider

Example

Choose one or more possible treatments (independent variables) for your behavior-change program.

Why did you choose this treatment? Explain how it would be appropriate, effective, and fit the setting.

Choosing the experimental design is important. It helps you determine if it is actually the independent variable (treatment) that is having an effect on the dependent variable (behavior).

The Design

1. Reversal 2. Alternating Treatments 3. Multiple Baseline

Three Simple Designs

Choose the design that works best for your target behavior.

Defend your choice.

Examples

What is it? Why is it important?

Inter-observer Reliability

1. examine how well the behavior was defined

2. examine your choice of treatment 3. examine your choice of experimental

designs 4. examine the consistency with which you

applied the treatment 5. examine confounding factors

What if your behavior-change program doesn’t work?