Single-Case Experimental Design
Also called: single-subject design, SCED, within-subject design, N-of-1 design
Definition
A family of experimental designs in which each participant serves as their own control. Behavior is measured repeatedly, conditions are introduced and withdrawn or staggered according to a plan, and control is demonstrated by predicting, verifying and replicating effects within that one person's data rather than by comparing group averages.
In plain language
Experiments done with one person at a time. The person is compared to themselves under different conditions, with lots of repeated measurement.
Example
Baseline for two weeks, treatment for two weeks, back to baseline, then treatment again, all with one learner and daily data. That is an A-B-A-B single-case design.
Not single-case experimental design
Comparing the average score of a treated class with an untreated class. That is a group design.
See also
Written from
- sidman-1960
- kazdin-2011
Written from Sidman (1960) and Kazdin (2011). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.