Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Single-Case Experimental Designs

  • Chapter
International Handbook of Behavior Modification and Therapy

Abstract

Behavior modification and therapy perhaps are best distinguished from other therapeutic and educational approaches by their dependence on the experimental-empirical methods for solving human problems. Thus, in evaluating the efficacy of emerging therapeutic and educational techniques, a large variety of experimental strategies has been carried out by behavioral researchers. Included, of course, are both group-comparison designs (cf. Kazdin, 1980) and single-case experimental designs (Barlow & Hersen, 1984; Hersen & Barlow, 1976).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Agras, W. S., Leitenberg, H., & Barlow, D. H. (1968). Social reinforcement in the modification of agoraphobia. Archives of General Psychiatry, 19, 423 –427.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Agras, W. S., Barlow, D. H., Chapin, H. N., Abel, G. G., & Leitenberg, H. (1974). Behavior modification of anorexia nervosa. Archives of General Psychiatry, 30, 279 –286.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, G. J. (1973). Case study: Implementation of behavior modification techniques in summer camp setting. Behavior Therapy, 4, 570 –575.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, K. E., Hart, B. M., Buell, J. S., Harris, F. R., & Wolf, M. M. (1964). Effects of social reinforcement on isolate behavior of a nursery school child. Child Development, 35, 511 –518.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anonymous Editorial. (1986). Single patient trials. Lancet, 1, 1254 –1255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayllon, T., & Azrin, N. H. (1965). The measurement and reinforcement of behavior of psychotics. Behavior Research and Therapy, 8, 357 –383.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baer, D. M. (1977). Perhaps it would be better not to know everything. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 10, 167 –172

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley,T. R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 91 –97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1987). Some still-current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 20, 313 –327.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barlow, D. H., & Hersen, M. (1973). Single-case experimental designs: Uses in applied clinical research. Archives of General Psychiatry, 29, 319 –325.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barlow, D. H., & Hersen, M. (1984). Single-case experimental designs: Strategies for studying behavior change ( 2nd ed. ). New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barlow, D.H., Agras, W. S., Leitenberg, H., Callahan, E. J., & Moore, R. C. (1972). The contribution of therapeutic instruction to covert sensitization. Behavior Research and Therapy, 10, 411 –415.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barlow, D. H., Blanchard, D. B., Hayes, S. C, & Epstein, L. H. (1977). Single case designs and clinical biofeedback experimentation. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 2, 221 –226.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barrios, B. A. (1984). Single-subject strategies for examining joint effects: A critical evaluation. Behavioral Assessment, 6, 103 –120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellack, A. S., & Schwartz, J. S. (1976). Assessment for self-control programs. In M. Hersen & A. S. Bellack (Eds.), Behavioral assessment: A practical handbook (pp. 111 –142 ). New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellack, A. S., Hersen, M., & Turner, S. M. (1976). Generalization effects of social skills training in chronic schizophrenics: An experimental analysis. Behavior Research and Therapy, 14, 391 –398.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Benjamin, L. S. (1965). A special latin square for use of each subject “as his own control.” Psychometrika, 30, 499 –513.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bergin, A. E. (1966). Some implications of psychotherapy research for therapeutic practice. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 71, 235 –246.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bergin, A. E., & Strupp, H. H. (1972). Changing frontiers in the science of psychotherapy. New York: Aldine-Atherton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bijou, S. W., Peterson, R. F., Harris, F. R., Allen, K. E., & Johnston, M. S. (1969). Methodology for experimental studies of young children in natural settings. Psychological Record, 19, 117 –210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blumberg, C. J. (1984). Comments on a “simplified time-series analysis for evaluating treatment interventions.” Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 17, 539 –542.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bornstein, M. R., Bellack, A. S., & Hersen, M. (1977). Social-skills training for unassertive children: A multiple-baseline analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 10, 183 –195.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Breuer, J., & Freud, S. (1957). Studies on hysteria. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, D. T, & Stanley, J. C. (1966). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research and teaching. Chicago: Rand McNally.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cavell, T. A., Frentz, C. E., & Kelley, M. L. (1986). Consumer acceptability of the single case withdrawal design: Penalty for early withdrawal? Behavior Therapy, 17, 82 –87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chassan, J. B. (1967). Research design in clinical psychology and psychiatry. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisler, R. M., Hersen, M., & Agras, W. S. (1973). Effects of videotape and instructional feedback on nonverbal marital interaction: An analog study. Behavior Therapy, 4, 551 –558.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Epstein, L. H., & Hersen, M. (1974). Behavioral control of hysterical gagging. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 30, 102 –104.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eysenck, H. J. (1952). The effects of psychotherapy: An evaluation. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 16, 319 –324.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Field, C. J., Aman, M. G., White, A. J., & Vaithianathan, C. (1986). A single-subject study of imipramine in a mentally retarded woman with depressive symptoms. Journal of Mental Deficiency Research, 30, 191 –198.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gentile, J. R., Roden, A. H., & Klein, R. D. (1972). An analysis of variance model for the intrasubject replication design. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5, 193 –198.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Glass, G. V., Willson, V. L., & Gottman, J. M. (1974). Design and analysis of time-series experiments. Boulder: Colorado Associated University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guyatt, G., Sackett, D., Taylor, D. W., Chang, J., Roberts, R., & Pugsley, S. (1986). Determining optional therapy—Randomized trials in individual patients. New England Journal of Medicine, 314, 889 –892.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hartmann, D. P. (1974). Forcing square pegs into roundholes: Some comments on “an analysis-of-variance model for the intrasubject replication design.”Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 635 –638.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hartmann, D. P., & Hall, R. V. (1976). The changing criterion design. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 9, 527 –532.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C. (1981). Single case experimental design and empirical clinical practice. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 49, 193 –211.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M. (1973). Self-assessment of fear. Behavior Therapy, 4, 241 –57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M. (1978). Do behavior therapists use self-reports as the major criteria? Behavioural Analysis and Modification, 2, 328 –334.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M. (1979). Limitations and problems in the clinical application of behavioral techniques in psychiatric settings. Behavior Therapy, 10, 65 –80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M. (1981). Assessment of deficits and outcomes in depression. In L. P. Rehm (Ed.), Behavior therapy for depression: Present status and future directions (pp. 301 –316 ). New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M. (Ed.). (1986). Pharmacological and behavioral treatment. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M., & Barlow, D. H. (1976). Single case experimental designs: Strategies for studying behavior change. New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M., & Bellack, A. S. (1976). (Eds.). Behavioral assessment: A practical handbook. New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M., & Bellack, A. S. (Eds.). (1978). Behavior therapy in the psychiatric setting. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M., & Bellack, A. S. (1988). (Eds.). Dictionary of behavioral assessment techniques. New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hersen, M., Eisler, R. M., Alford, G. S., & Agras, W. (1973). Effects of token economy on neurotic depression: An experimental analysis. Behavior Therapy, 4, 392 –397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R. D., & Baer, D. M. (1978). Multiple-probe techniques: A variation of the multiple baseline. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11, 189 –196.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Huitema, B. E. (1985). Autocorrelation in applied behavior analysis: A Myth. Behavioral Assessment, 7, 107 –118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, J. M. (1972). Punishment of human behavior. American Psychologist, 27, 1033 –1054.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R. R., Vaught, R. S., & Weinrott, M. (1977). Time-series analysis in operant research. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 10, 151 –166.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kallman, W. M., Hersen, M., &O’Toole, D. H. (1975). The use of social reinforcement in a case of conversion reaction. Behavior Therapy, 6, 411 –413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E. (1973). Methodological and assessment considerations in evaluating reinforcement programs in applied settings. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6, 517 –531.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E. (1975). Behavior modification in applied settings. Homewood, IL: Dorsey Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E. (1976). Statistical analysis for single-case experimental designs. In M. Hersen & D. H. Barlow (Eds.), Single case experimental designs: Strategies for studying behavior change (pp. 265 –316 ). New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E. (1977). Assessing the clinical or applied importance of behavior change through social validation. Behavior Modification, 1, 427 –451.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E. (1978). History of behavior modification. Baltimore: University Park Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E. (1980). Research design in clinical psychology. New York: Harper & Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E. (1984). Statistical analysis for single-case experimental designs. In M. Hersen & D. H. Barlow (Eds.), Single case experimental designs: Strategies for studying behavior change (pp. 285 –234 ). New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E., & Geesey, S. (1977). Simultaneous-treatment design comparisons of the effects of earning reinforcers for one’s peers versus for oneself. Behavior Therapy, 8, 682 –693.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E., & Hartmann, D. P. (1978). The simultaneous-treatment design. Behavior Therapy, 9, 912 –922.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E., & Kopel, S. A. (1975). On resolving ambiguities of the multiple-baseline design: Problems and recommendations. Behavior Therapy, 6, 601 –608.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keselman, H. J., & Leventhal, L. (1974). Concerning the statistical procedures enumerated by Gentkle et al.: Another perspective. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 643 –645.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kratochwill, T. R. (Ed.). (1978). Single subject research: Strategies for evaluating change. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kratochwill, T., Alden, K., Demuth, D., Dawson, D., Panicucci, C., Arntson, P., McMurray, N., Hempstead, J., & Levin, J. (1974). A further consideration in the application of an analysis-of-variance model for the intrasubject replication design. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 629 –633.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liberman, R. P., & Davis, J. (1975). Drugs and behavior analysis. In M. Hersen, R. M. Eisler, & P. M. Miller (Eds.), Progress in behavior modification (Vol. I, pp. 307 –330 ). New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liberman, R. P., Davis, J., Moon, W., & Moore, J. (1973). Research design for analyzing drug-environment-behavior interactions. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 156, 432 –439.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lombardo, T. W., & Turner, S. M. (1979). Thought-stopping in the control of obsessive ruminations. Behavior Modification, 3, 267 –272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Louis, T, Lavori, P. W., Bailar, J. C, Polansky, M. (1984). Crossover and self-controlled designs in clinical research. New England Journal of Medicine, 310, 24 –31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lovass, O. I., Koegel, R., Simmons, J. Q., & Long, J. D. (1973). Some generalization and follow-up measures on autistic children in behavior therapy. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5, 131 –166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mann, R. A. (1972). The behavior-therapeutic use of contingency contracting to control an adult behavior problem: Weight control. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5, 99 –109.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, J. E., & Epstein, L. H. (1976). Evaluating treatment effectiveness in cerebral palsy: Single subject designs. Physical Therapy, 56, 285 –294.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Max, L. W. (1935). Breaking up a homosexual fixation by the conditioned reaction techniques: A case study. Psychological Bulletin, 32, 734 (Abstract).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McLeod, R., Cohen, Z., Taylor, D. W., & Cullen, J. B. (1986). Single-patient randomized clinical trial. Lancet, 1, 726 –728.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meichenbaum, D. (1976). A cognitive-behavior modification approach to assessment. In M. Hersen, & A. S. Bellack (Eds.), Behavioral assessment: A practical handbook (pp. 143 –171 ). New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Michael, J. (1974a). Statistical inference for individual organism research: Mixed blessings or curse? Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 647 –653.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Michael, J. (1974b). Statistical inference for individual organism research: Some reactions to a suggestion by Gentile, Roden, & Klein. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 627 –628.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, P. M. (1973). An experimental analysis of retention control training in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in two institutionalized adolescents. Behavior Therapy, 4, 288 –294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mills, H. L., Agras, W. S., Barlow, D. H., & Mills, J. R. (1973). Compulsive rituals treated by response prevention: An experimental analysis. Archives of General Psychiatry, 28, 524 –529.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ortega, D. F. (1978). Relaxation exercise with cerebral palsied adults showing spasticity. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11, 447 –451.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paul, G. L. (1967). Strategy of outcome research in psychotherapy. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 31, 104 –118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parloff, M. B., & Rubenstein, E. A. (1959). Research problems in psychotherapy. In E. A. Rubenstein & M. B. Parloff (Eds.), Research in psychotherapy (Vol. I, pp. 276 –293 ). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Risley, T. R., & Wolf, M. M. (1972). Strategies for analysing behavioral change over time. In J. Nesselroade & H.Reese (Eds.), Life-span developmental psychology: Methodological issues. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robin, E. D., & Burke, C. (1986). Single patient randomized trial: Operates for intractable dyspnea. Chest, 90, 888 –890.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, M. B. (1966). The single case in clinical-psychological research. Journal of General Psychology, 74, 3 –23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, M. B., & Ravenette, A. T. (1959). A preliminary experiment of paranoid delusions. Journal of Mental Science, 105, 295 –312.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shine, L. C, & Bower, S. M. (1971). A one-way analysis of variance for single subject designs. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 31, 105 –113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sidman, M. (1960). Tactics of scientific research: Evaluating experimental data in psychology. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1966). Operant behavior. In W. K. Konig (Ed.)., Operant behavior: Areas of research and application (pp. 12 –32 ). New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suen, H. K. (1987). On the epistemology of autocorrelation in applied behavior analysis. Behavioral Assessment, 9, 113 –124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suen, H. K., & Ary, D. (1987). Autocorrelation in applied behavior analysis: Myth or reality? Behavioral Assessment, 9, 125 –130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, E. J. (1978). Research and service in single-case experimentation: Conflicts and choices. Social Work Research and Abstracts, 14, 20 –31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thoresen, C. E. (1972, April). The intensive design: An intimate approach to counseling research. Paper presented at American Educational Research Association, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thyer, B. A., & Curtis, G. C. (1983). The repeated pretestposttest single-subject experiment: A new design for empirical clinical practice. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 14, 311 –315.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Turner, S. M., Hersen, M., & Alford, H. (1974). Effects of massed practice and meprobamate on spasmodic torticollis: An experimental analysis. Behavior Research and Therapy, 12, 259 –260.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Turner, S. M., Hersen, M., Bellack, A. S., & Wells, K. C. (1979). Behavioral treatment of obsessive-compulsive neurosis. Behavior Research and Therapy, 17, 95 –106.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Hasselt, V. B., & Hersen, M. (1981). Applications of single-case experimental designs to research with the visually impaired. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 75, 359 –362.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Hasselt, V. B., Hersen, M., Bellack, A. S., Rosenblum, N., & Lamparski, D. (1979). Tripartite assessment of the effects of systematic desensitization in a multiphobic child: An experimental analysis. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 10, 51 –56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wahler, R. G. (1969). Oppositional children: A guest for parental reinforcement control. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 2, 159 –170.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wampold, B. E., & Worsham, N. L. (1986). Randomization tests for multiple-baseline designs. Behavioral Assessment, 8, 135 –143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, J. B., & Rayner, R. (1920). Conditioned emotional reactions. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 3, 1 –14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watson, P. J., & Workman, E. A. (1981). The non-cuncurrent multiple baseline across-individuals design: A extension of the traditional multiple baseline design. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 12, 257 –259.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wells, K. C, Turner, S. M., Bellack, A. S., & Hersen, M. (1978). Effects of cue-controlled relaxation on psychomotor seizures: An experimental analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 16, 51 –53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Williamson, D. A., Calpin, J. P., DeLorenzo, T. M., Garrís, R. P., & Petti, T. A. (1981). Combining dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) and activity feedback for the treatment of hyperactivity. Behavior Modification, 5, 399 –416.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wincze, J. P., Leitenberg, H., & Agras, W. S. (1972). The effects of token reinforcement and feedback on the delusional verbal behavior of chronic paranoid schizophrenics. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5, 247 –262.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yates, A. J. (1970). Behavior therapy. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA

    Michel Hersen

Authors
  1. Michel Hersen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Pennsylvania at EPPI, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19129, USA

    Alan S. Bellack

  2. Department of Psychiatry Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburg School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA

    Michel Hersen

  3. Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA

    Alan E. Kazdin

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1990 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Hersen, M. (1990). Single-Case Experimental Designs. In: Bellack, A.S., Hersen, M., Kazdin, A.E. (eds) International Handbook of Behavior Modification and Therapy. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0523-1_9

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0523-1_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7848-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-0523-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation