Replication
Also called: direct replication, systematic replication
Definition
Repeating an experiment or an effect to see whether it holds. Direct replication repeats the same procedure with the same conditions; systematic replication varies something on purpose to test how far the finding extends. Within a single-case design, each return to a condition that reproduces the earlier result is a replication too.
In plain language
Doing it again to see if you get the same result. Repeating an effect is what makes it believable.
Example
In an A-B-A-B design, the second B phase reproduces the first improvement, which is a replication of the effect within one learner.
Not replication
A single dramatic improvement in one phase with no attempt to reproduce it. It may be real, but nothing yet shows that it was the treatment.
See also
Written from
- sidman-1960
Written from Sidman (1960) on replication in single-subject research. No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.