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A Meta-Analysis of Single-Subject Research on Behavioral Momentum to Enhance Success in Students with Autism

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Abstract

We conducted a meta-analysis of single-subject research studies investigating the effectiveness of antecedent strategies grounded in behavioral momentum for improving compliance and on-task performance for students with autism. First, we assessed the research rigor of those studies meeting our inclusionary criteria. Next, in order to apply a universal metric to help determine the effectiveness of this category of antecedent strategies investigated via single-subject research methods, we calculated effect sizes via omnibus improvement rate differences (IRDs). Outcomes provide additional support for behavioral momentum, especially interventions incorporating the high-probability command sequence. Implications for research and practice are discussed, including the consideration of how single-subject research is systematically reviewed to assess the rigor of studies and assist in determining overall intervention effectiveness .

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Edward (“Eddie”) Bolden for his consultation regarding the software to assist with statistical analyses.

Authors Contribution

R.C. conceived of the study, supervised and coordinated the conceptualization and development of the process, participated in all aspects of the study, and drafted the majority of the manuscript; L.A. assisted in the development and operationalization of the process, assisted with data management and analyses, and made contributions to the draft of the manuscript; L.C. assisted with data management and analysis, and made contributions to the draft of the manuscript. All authors were involved in editing and revising the document, and the second and third authors provided the first author with approval for submission of the manuscript.

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  1. School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences, Kent State University, 150 Terrace Drive, 405 White Hall, Kent, OH, USA

    Richard J. Cowan, Leah Abel & Lindsay Candel

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  1. Richard J. Cowan
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Correspondence to Richard J. Cowan.

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Cowan, R.J., Abel, L. & Candel, L. A Meta-Analysis of Single-Subject Research on Behavioral Momentum to Enhance Success in Students with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 47, 1464–1477 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3076-6

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