The Use of Effect Sizes in Single-Case Experimental Designs

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Accuracy and Meaning in Modeling

Abstract

Single case experimental designs (SCEDs) are used to evaluate a functional relation between an independent and dependent variable, typically with few participants. The intent to compare findings of SCED with group-design research has led to the development of evaluation standards by What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) that encourage researchers to report effect sizes. To determine the prevalence of SCED effect size reporting and the quality of the studies that report them, 5 journals were reviewed from 2014-2016. SCEDs that reported effect sizes were evaluated according to WWC standards. Thirty-one SCEDs reported effect sizes and only 5 met the highest WWC standards. Further development of SCED effect sizes to accommodate for unique features of SCED data is necessary.

Authors

• Peter Boedeker, Baylor College of Medicine

• Smita Mehta, University of North Texas