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Graphing the Intersection of Rate and Fidelity in Single-Case Research

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Abstract

Single-case research is a prevalent and useful method for evaluating the effects of interventions in special education research. A single-case graph “should make available all of the data that permit evaluation of the criteria for visual inspection, at the very least,” while not misleading inspectors (Kazdin, 2011, p. 335). Although this is widely known, it poses challenges for multifaceted dependent variables, such as those that address both rate and a measure of quality, such as fidelity. Both factors may be important to accurately interpret intervention effects, such as those within cascading interventions implemented by natural change agents. However, representing both in a single graph is challenging. In response to this challenge, we present a single data set from a multiple-baseline design graphed in six distinct formats. Across these graphs, we discuss implications for visual analysis and interpretation and invite discussion of this important area of single-case research in search of recommendations for best practice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Special Education, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA

    Melinda R. Snodgrass

  2. Department of Special Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Education Building, 1310 S. 6th St., Champaign, IL, 61820, USA

    Hedda Meadan

  3. Department of Education Studies, Stonehill College, North Easton, MA, USA

    Moon Y. Chung

  4. Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA

    Elizabeth E. Biggs

Authors
  1. Melinda R. Snodgrass
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  2. Hedda Meadan
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  3. Moon Y. Chung
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  4. Elizabeth E. Biggs
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Correspondence to Hedda Meadan.

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The data presented here were gathered with the approval of the Institutional Review Board of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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The participant provided informed consent for her and her son’s participation.

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Snodgrass, M.R., Meadan, H., Chung, M.Y. et al. Graphing the Intersection of Rate and Fidelity in Single-Case Research. Behav Analysis Practice 15, 284–294 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-021-00556-w

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