Single Subject Designs

Abstract

Issues surrounding the application of inferential statistical tests to behavior modification research was presented. Four major behavior modification journals were surveyed from their inception through 1974 for their use of inferential statistical tests in empirical research studies. Results indicated that Behaviour Research and Therapy and Behavior Therapy contained the highest percentage of articles using inferential statistical procedures. Over all journals, nearly all studies employing group designs used inferential statistical tests. Parametric analysis-of-variance and various nonparametric tests were generally the most commonly employed statistics within the journals sampled. Implications of the review suggest that the methodological base of behavior modification research is becoming more diverse as reflected in increased use of group designs where inferential tests are commonly employed. While all journals contained some N=1 experiments which relied on some form of inferential statistics, both valid and invalid applications are noted. Issues surrounding the use of statistics are documented. Implications for research and training are discussed.