Evaluating Quality and Rigor in Single Case Research

Abstract

This chapter focuses on assessing rigor of single case design (SCD) studies. A study with low risk of bias and high rigor is internally valid. Risk of bias, rigor, and internal validity are not rated dichotomously; rather they are generally considered to be low, adequate, or high. Quality is another term used in evaluating research; it generally refers to whether the study includes components that are considered to be important for generality or applicability. The chapter identifies five critical elements that are crucial for establishing adequate rigor. These include using an appropriate design to answer researcher’s research questions, having adequate opportunities to demonstrate effects, demonstrating adequate reliability of dependent and independent variables, and collecting a sufficient amount of data. In the areas of special education and behavioral sciences, measuring and improving generalized behavior change has received considerable attention and, in at least some areas of research, generalization is consistently assessed.