A Legacy Neglected: Restating the Case for Single-case Research in Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy

Abstract

The dominant research tradition in psychology, including much of cognitive-behaviour therapy, requires that large numbers of subjects be allocated randomly to form treatment groups. Treatment effects typically are assessed by testing a null hypothesis about group mean differences. This paradigm seriously thwarts the development of a science of individual behaviour, inhibits the implementation of the scientist-practitioner model, stifles innovation, impairs accountability, and precludes the scientific investigation of the exceptional or novel case. Single-case research designs, first systematically expounded by Sidman (1960), make it possible to draw scientifically valid conclusions from the investigation and treatment of individuals. Criticisms of the between-groups research paradigm are summarised, the key elements of single-case designs are outlined, and their consistent adoption strongly recommended.

Is Seeing Believing? The Process of Change During Cognitive–behavioural Therapy for Distressing Visual Hallucinations

“…This design can address causal relationships within single cases (Blampied, 1999;Kratochwill et al, 2010). The primary objective was to determine whether adding the independent variable (CBT intervention for VH) led to changes in the dependent variables (appraisal, emotion and behaviour).…”

“…The primary objective was to determine whether adding the independent variable (CBT intervention for VH) led to changes in the dependent variables (appraisal, emotion and behaviour). This design can address causal relationships within single cases (Blampied, 1999;Kratochwill et al, 2010).…”

“…Key features of the analysis are the level, variability and trend in the data within and between the phases (Blampied, 1999;Kratochwill et al, 2010). Key features of the analysis are the level, variability and trend in the data within and between the phases (Blampied, 1999;Kratochwill et al, 2010).…”

“…Visual analysis is the primary means of data analysis within single-case design to identify observable change in the dependent variables across the phases of the study. Key features of the analysis are the level, variability and trend in the data within and between the phases (Blampied, 1999;Kratochwill et al, 2010). The trend lines for the baseline and intervention phase were displayed on the graph; the trend line illustrates the direction of change.…”

How Should We Determine Treatment Effectiveness with Single-Case Design Research for Participants with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

“…While most published psychological research is based on between group research designs, ABA typically examines behavior at the level of the individual and generally utilizes single-case research designs (SCD), thus permitting a scientifically valid conclusion to be drawn from the intensive investigation of an individual (Blampied, 1999). Interventions based on such research have been used extensively in working with participants with ASD since the early 1980s.…”