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Single-case designs and clinical biofeedback experimentation

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Abstract

Rigorous evaluation of the effects of biofeedback with clinical populations is necessary, but practical problems often preclude utilization of between-groups experimental designs involving large numbers of clients with clinically relevant problems. Single-case experimental designs provide a viable alternative for answering most research questions. In addition, single-case designs possess several distinct advantages for biofeedback research, including a focus on clinical significance, the use of variability as data not error, unique procedures for establishing generality of findings, and an ability to deal with ethical concerns in clinical research. Basic procedures in the use of single-case experimental designs are described and illustrations in clinical biofeedback research are provided.

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Reference notes

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Steven C. Hayes

    Present address: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brown University and Butler Hospital, USA

    David H. Barlow & Steven C. Hayes

  2. University of Tennessee Medical School, USA

    Edward B. Blanchard

  3. Auburn University, USA

    Leonard H. Epstein

Authors
  1. David H. Barlow
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  2. Edward B. Blanchard
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  3. Steven C. Hayes
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  4. Leonard H. Epstein
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Barlow, D.H., Blanchard, E.B., Hayes, S.C. et al. Single-case designs and clinical biofeedback experimentation. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 2, 221–239 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00998648

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00998648

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