Single-subject Experimental Designs Research Articles

Incorporating Trauma-Informed Care Strategies Into the Assessment of and Intervention for Food Selectivity: A Pilot Investigation

Autistic children are at an increased risk for both (a) exhibiting problematic eating behaviors such as food selectivity and (b) experiencing potentially traumatic events and correlated posttraumatic stress symptoms. Not only could a history of trauma directly influence the development of food selectivity but may also negatively impact the efficacy and social validity of existing evidence-based interventions. There is currently very little published research on interventions for food selectivity that incorporate commitments and strategies of trauma-informed care. In the current study, we sought to apply a trauma-informed approach to address the food selectivity of an autistic adolescent. Via a combination of single-subject experimental designs, we demonstrated that an intervention package inclusive of multiple trauma-informed care strategies directly contributed to increases in consumption of nonpreferred foods. We describe multiple ways in which we recruited and obtained social validation from the adolescent during his participation. Implications for practitioners and future research are discussed.

Efficacy analysis of virtual reality-based training for activities of daily living and functional task training in stroke patients: A single-subject study.

Virtual reality (VR)-based training for functions such as cognition, upper extremities, balancing, and activities of daily living (ADL) has been used on stroke patients, and its efficacy has been reported. However, no comparison has been made between the efficacy of VR-based training for daily activities that exactly reproduces ADL and functional training. Therefore, this study sought to analyze the difference in independency enhancement of VR-based training for daily activities compared to cognitive and motor functional training. This study was conducted on 4 patients who have been diagnosed with stroke and are currently receiving rehabilitation therapy in G hospital located in the city of Gwangju, using A-B-A'-B' design from single-subject experimental designs. Intervention was performed in 2 ways: application of VR-based training for daily activities after the application of cognitive and motor function training; and application of cognitive and motor function training after the application of VR-based training for daily activities. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, Computer Cognitive Screening Assessment System, Box and Block Test, and Grip and Pinch Strength Test were used to measure the changes in the performance of daily activities, cognitive function, and upper extremities function. The results confirmed that the performance of daily activities, cognitive function, and upper extremities function was improved after the application of VR-based intervention. In addition, the efficacy of independency enhancement was maximized by the early approach of training for daily activities at the time of VR-based intervention in stroke patients. VR-based intervention of training for daily activities and functional training can be considered to benefit the improvement of the performance of daily activities, cognitive function, and upper extremities function in stroke patients. In addition, although functional training was also effective in enhancing independency and functional improvement in stroke patients, an early approach to training for ADL based on tasks with objectives was deemed to be more effective.

Comparing and Contrasting Quality Frameworks Using Research on High-Probability Requests With Young Children

The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast frameworks for evaluating methodological rigor in single case research. Specifically, research on high-probability requests to increase compliance in young children was evaluated. Ten studies were identified and were coded using 4 frameworks. These frameworks were the Council for Exceptional Children Standards for Evidence-based Practices, What Works Clearinghouse, Risk of Bias Assessment for Single Subject Experimental Designs, and Single Case Analysis and Review Framework. Significant differences were found across frameworks, both in the rating of rigor and the study effects. Implications for determining high-quality research and effective practices are discussed.

A method for studying reinforcement factors controlling impulsive choice for use in behavioral neuroscience.

Although procedures originating within the experimental analysis of behavior commonly are used in behavioral neuroscience to produce behavioral endpoints, they are used less often to analyze the behavioral processes involved, particularly at the level of individual organisms (see Soto, 2020). Concurrent-chains procedures have been used extensively to study choice and to quantify relations between various dimensions of reinforcement and preference. Unfortunately, parametric analysis of those relations using traditional steady-state, single-subject experimental designs can be time-consuming, often rendering these procedures impractical for use in behavioral neuroscience. The purpose of this paper is to describe how concurrent-chains procedures can be adapted to allow for parametric examination of effects of the reinforcement dimensions involved in impulsive choice (magnitude and delay) within experimental sessions in rats. Data are presented indicating that this procedure can produce relatively consistent within-session estimates of sensitivity to reinforcement in individual subjects, and that these estimates can be modified by neurobiological manipulation (drug administration). These data suggest that this type of procedure offers a promising approach to the study of neurobiological mechanisms of complex behavior in individual organisms, which could facilitate a more fruitful relationship between behavior analysis and behavioral neuroscience.

Effectiveness of Comprehension Strategies Mobile App (COSMA) on Reading Comprehension Performances of Students With Learning Disabilities

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Comprehension Strategies Mobile App (COSMA) on the reading comprehension performance of students with learning disabilities. Four students with learning disabilities (three boys, one girl) participated in the study. The experimental process of the study was carried out according to the multiple baseline across participants model of single-subject experimental designs. Reading comprehension performance of students was assessed with multiple-choice tests and retells. Students’ use of strategies was evaluated with on-task metacognitive interviews. Findings showed that COSMA has a positive impact on students’ reading comprehension performances. It was determined that the students’ motivation to use the mobile app was high, the opinions of families and teachers of the software were positive and they observed an increase in students’ reading skills. Findings are discussed further.

Effects of the Instrument Pilates Exercise Based on the Schroth Exercise on the Cobb's Angle, Angle of Trunk Rotation and Low Back Pain in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Single Subject Study

Purpose: This study examined the effects of the application of Schroth exercise-based instrument Pilates exercise on the Cobb’s angle, angle of trunk rotation, and low back pain of female patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: Three patients with idiopathic scoliosis at a Cobb’s angle of 20° or more participated in this study. Among the single-subject experimental research designs, a reversal (ABA) design was performed. In particular, Schroth exercise-based instrument, Pilates exercise, was performed for 10 weeks, consisting of five weeks between the baseline and intervention one period and five weeks between the in tervention 1 and intervention 2 periods, and then followed up for five weeks. Results: After the Schroth exercise-based instrument, Pilates exercise, was applied, the Cobb’s angle and the angle of trunk rotation de creased compared to the baseline in all subjects, and the follow-up period also showed a continuous decline. After Pilates exercise was performed, low back pain in subjects 1 and 2 was decreased in the intervention 1 period compared to the baseline. The level of low back pain in the intervention 2 period increased compared to the intervention 1 period, but a reduction was noted in the follow-up period. The low back pain in the subject was decreased in all intervention periods and the follow-up period. Conclusion: Schroth exercise-based Pilates exercise improves the Cobb’s angle and the angle of trunk rotation for female patients with idiopathic scoliosis in their teens and 20s, and an effective intervention method is proposed for low back pain.

Can Characteristics of the Physical Environment Impact Engagement in Learning Activities in Children with Autism? A Systematic Review

Physical aspects of the environment (e.g. lighting, background noise) can impact engagement with tasks in individuals with autism, particularly within education settings. However, whether modifying the aspects of the physical environment improves engagement with tasks has received little attention. This systematic review is the first to explore the impact of modifications to the design of the physical environment on task engagement in individuals with autism. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Most included studies (n = 8) were single-subject experimental designs that investigated different environmental modifications (e.g. lighting, background noise, or seating), limiting the generalisability of results. To better determine whether physical environmental modifications benefit task engagement in individuals with autism, more high-quality evidence is required. Such evidence includes more quality single-subject designs focused on the same manipulation to better inform future controlled experiments and randomised controlled trials.

Effectiveness of the Embedded Instructions Provided by Preschool Teachers on the Acquisition of Target Behaviors by Inclusion Students

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the embedded instruction provided by preschool teachers to students with developmental disabilities (DDs) in their classes on the acquisition of target behaviors. The first author provided teacher training to four preschool teachers regarding providing instruction by using embedded instruction presented by a simultaneous prompting procedure. After completing the teacher training, the preschool teachers provided instructions to their four children with DD regarding their target behaviors. A multiple probe design with probe trials across dyads was used in the study, which is one of the models of single-subject experimental designs. The results revealed that the teachers were able to prepare their embedded instruction plans correctly, implement the prepared plans with high procedural fidelity, and maintain their instruction skills. In addition, the teachers were able to generalize their skill of preparing embedded instruction plans presented via simultaneous prompting procedures across different discrete behaviors. The children with DDs in regular education classes were able acquire their target behaviors through the instruction provided by their teachers and were also able realize maintenance and generalization regarding their target behaviors. In the social validity data, teachers and parents presented positive opinions regarding the study, and the children with DDs were able to reach the performance levels of their typically developing peers.

Current Trends in Research on Technology Use in Special Education: A Review on Postgraduate Theses in Turkey

Bu araştırmada Türkiye’de özel eğitimde teknoloji kullanımı konusunda yapılmış lisansüstü tezlerin incelenerek lisansüstü düzeydeki araştırmaların eğilimlerinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Özel eğitimde teknoloji kullanımı ile ilişkili tezlerdeki eğilimlerin belirlenmesi, ileride yapılacak yeni araştırmalar için öneriler getirmesi açısından önemlidir. Araştırmanın verileri Yüksek Öğretim Kurumu Ulusal Tez Merkezi veri tabanından erişilen 28 adet lisansüstü tezden elde edilmiştir. Bu tezlerin incelenmesinde doküman incelemesi tekniğinden yararlanılmıştır. Erişilen tezler yayın yılı, tez türü, üniversite türü, yayınlanan üniversite, özel eğitim kategorisi, yöntem, veri toplama araçları, yararlanılan teknoloji, araştırmacı çalışma alanı ve öğrenme çıktıları ölçütlerine göre incelenmiştir. Özel eğitimde teknoloji kullanımı ile ilgili en çok tez çalışması 2019 yılında yayınlanmış olup yüksek lisans düzeyi ağırlıklıdır. İncelenen tezlerin büyük çoğunluğu devlet üniversitelerinde yapılmıştır. Ele alınan özel eğitim kategorisi açısından değerlendirildiğinde tez çalışmalarının büyük çoğunluğu zihinsel yetersizlik odaklı olup özel gereksinimli bireylere akademik beceri kazandırılması hedeflenmektedir. Araştırma sürecinde tek denekli deneysel desenler öne çıkarken en çok kullanılan veri toplama araçları ise gözlem ve görüşme olmuştur. Özel eğitimde teknoloji kullanımı kaçınılmaz olup zamandan ve mekândan bağımsız, bireysel öğrenme sürecini destekleyen mobil uygulamaların kullanım yoğunluğu dikkat çekmektedir. Söz konusu araştırma bulgularının araştırmacılara ışık tutması, teknolojinin bu alandaki gücüne ilişkin farkındalık geliştirmesi ve alanyazına katkı sürecinde yararlı olacağı düşünülmektedir.

Comparing Error Correction to Errorless Learning: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Errorless learning and error correction procedures are commonly used when teaching tact relations to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of both procedures, as well as compared them. The majority of these studies have been completed through the use of single-subject experimental designs. Evaluating both procedures using a group design may contribute to the literature and help disseminate research related to the behavioral science of language to a larger audience. The purpose of the present study was to compare an errorless learning procedure to an error correction procedure to teach tact relations to 28 individuals diagnosed with ASD through a randomized clinical trial. Several variables were assessed, including the number of stimulus sets with which participants reached the mastery criterion, responding during pre- and postprobes, responding during teaching, efficiency, and the presence of aberrant behavior. The results indicated that both procedures were effective, efficient, and unlikely to evoke aberrant behavior, despite participants in the error correction condition engaging in significantly more independent correct responses and independent incorrect responses.

Tolerance Training with Adolescents in a Residential Juvenile Facility.

For individuals receiving treatment in residential juvenile facilities, the inability to tolerate typical but unpleasant stimulus events may manifest in aggressive behavior toward staff or other residents. Such behaviors can lead to loss of privileges, interfere with other treatments, and contribute to negative staff-student relationships. As a procedure, tolerance training (TT) involves systematically increasing the duration of exposure to an undesired stimulus event or situation. The current study evaluated the effects of a procedure to increase tolerance of aversive situations for four adolescents who were receiving treatment for sexual offenses in a residential detention facility. Results from single-subject experimental designs indicate that TT increased all four adolescents' ability to tolerate a non-preferred stimulus event. We briefly discuss the clinical implications of the use of behavior-analytic procedures to improve skill sets for adolescents in residential treatment facilities.

Transitioning children from tube to oral feeding: a systematic review of current treatment approaches

ABSTRACT We conducted a systematic review of treatment approaches to transition children from tube to oral feeding. We evaluated the evidence across varied experimental designs including randomized and non-randomized group designs, and single-subject experimental designs. We aimed to identify the key characteristics of participants and treatments, as well as compare treatment outcomes across different approaches. We included 46 studies: 20 group designs, and 26 single-subject experimental designs. Treatment approaches were categorized as behavioural, hunger provocation, or a combination of the two. Across all approaches, treatment commonly required a controlled setting with a high intensity of treatment sessions, a multidisciplinary team, and a systematic approach to caregiver training. All treatment approaches showed positive effects in at least one behavioural or nutritional outcome. However, the variability in participant characteristics and reported outcomes affect conclusions regarding the most effective and acceptable treatment approach. Behavioural intervention was the most consistently reported and measured approach. These studies showed large improvements in feeding behaviours, but the reporting of nutritional outcomes was limited. In contrast, hunger provocation approaches reported wide variations in the rate of tube feeding reductions and the use of mealtime treatment components. Hunger provocation approaches focussed on the reduction in tube feeding but also reported weight losses. Future research should work towards clearer reporting of participant characteristics and treatment procedures, standardized behavioural and nutritional outcomes, and the evaluation of treatment acceptability.

The Effect of One Teach One Observe Model on Effective Teaching Skills of Classroom Teachers

The purpose of this study is to investigate effectiveness of one teach one observe model, one of co-teaching approaches, on planning of teaching, implementation and evaluation skills of inclusive classroom teachers. Three teachers who are experienced at least for five years, work in primary schools in Ankara, Turkey participated in the study conducted using Between-Subjects Multiple Surveys Design, one of the single-subject experimental designs. The data were recorded by determining the number of effective teaching behaviors of subjects and marking related scoring part on the Checklist for Effective Teaching Skills, analyzed visually and shown as graphics. It’s been indicated that One teach one observe model’s effective in improving effective teaching skills of inclusive classroom teachers, and the subjects maintain post-teaching learning outcomes related to planning of the teaching, implementation, and evaluation for the Turkish class 3 weeks and 10 days after the study was completed. It’s been observed that the co-teaching approach contributes to inclusive classroom teachers for making educational regulations, preparing lesson plans using different methods and techniques.

Positive behaviour support for challenging behaviour after acquired brain injury: An introduction to PBS + PLUS and three case studies

ABSTRACT Challenging behaviours are a common and distressing consequence of acquired brain injury (ABI). There are no evidence-based guidelines for managing challenging behaviours after ABI, leaving clinicians with few resources to guide practice. Findings from case studies and single-subject experimental designs support the use of positive behaviour support (PBS) interventions for challenging behaviour post-ABI. This paper introduces PBS + PLUS: a multi-component and flexible PBS intervention using a person-driven collaborative approach to build a meaningful life and self-regulate behaviour after ABI. PBS + PLUS is currently being examined in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Three detailed pilot case studies illustrate the highly individualized implementation of the programme, delivered to the individuals with ABI and carers over 12 months by a transdisciplinary team including neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, and psychiatrists. Objective behavioural outcomes are reported for participants using the Overt Behaviour Scale at baseline and four-monthly intervals for two years. Goal attainment scaling was used to measure personally meaningful goals. The qualitative appraisals of the intervention by participants, families and carers, and 12-month follow-up outcomes are described. The advantages and challenges of programme delivery are discussed. These case studies will assist clinicians and service providers to implement PBS + PLUS in anticipation of the results of the RCT.

A randomized clinical trial of three prompting systems to teach tact relations.

Prompts are commonly used during discrete trial teaching for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three commonly used prompting systems include constant time delay, most-to-least prompting, and flexible prompt fading. Most of the research demonstrating the effectiveness of these three prompting strategies have been completed through the use of single subject experimental designs. Some within the field of behaviorally based approaches to ASD interventions have called for more randomized clinical trials of these approaches. The purpose of the present study was to compare these 3 prompting systems to teach tact relations for 27 individuals diagnosed with ASD through a randomized clinical trial without a control group with respect to pre-post responding, generalization, sessions to mastery, and responding during teaching. Overall, minimal differences were observed across the 3 systems. The results are discussed with respect to future research and clinical application of the methods evaluated.

Test-retest reliability in an fMRI study of naming in dementia

fMRI has been used as an outcome measure in dementia treatment studies, with many previous studies comparing only single pre- and post-treatment fMRI scans to determine treatment-induced neural changes, while utilizing single subject experimental designs. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate fMRI test-retest reliability in dementia patients and typical older adults using noun and verb confrontation naming to evaluate the validity of using a single pre/post-treatment scan comparison. Seven individuals with dementia and 9 control participants were tested three times over two months using the same fMRI procedures. Differences in individual and group level activation patterns were observed that varied across time. Additionally, the extent of variability fluctuated across individuals, groups, and the grammatical category of target words. Our findings suggested that one time fMRI scanning may inadequately represent an individual’s typical brain activation pattern, particularly an individual with dementia. Thus, multiple imaging baselines are recommended.

Positive Behavior Support Program Throughout The Classroom: The Implementation of The Check-In/Check-Out Program

The Check-in/Check-out (CICO), developed as a Tier 2 intervention program within the scope of positive behavior support in the literature, is suggested for the students with unsatisfactory peer relationships as well as low academic achievement and problem behaviors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the CICO program on active participation to lesson behavior of the students who display problem behaviors and have low academic achievement in the classroom. In this study, the behavior of the students’ effective participation to lessons was examined. Three 10-11 year-old secondary-school students participated in the study. Range-bound changing criterion design, which is one of the single subject experimental designs, was used throughout this study. The feedback gained from the teachers and the students indicated that the students improved in the behavior of effective participation to lessons. Social validity results are also consistent with the social relevance of the independent variable and the results of the study.

장애 영아 중재 연구 메타 분석: 단일 대상 실험 설계를 중심으로

장애 영아 중재 연구 메타 분석: 단일 대상 실험 설계를 중심으로

An evaluation of the agreement between the conservative dual-criterion method and expert visual analysis.

The conservative dual-criterion (CDC) method was developed to standardize the analysis of single-subject experimental designs data, but to date its accuracy has been evaluated only by comparing results to the statistical parameters of graphs. Our study investigated agreement between expert visual analysts and the CDC method on 66 AB tiers from published multiple baseline graphs. We found strong agreement between the two methods for certain types of graphs and discuss implications of the findings and areas for future research.

A Comparison of Two Treatment Approaches for Agrammatic Broca's Aphasia: Script Therapy vs. Verb Network Strengthening Treatment

A Comparison of Two Treatment Approaches for Agrammatic Broca's Aphasia: Script Therapy vs. Verb Network Strengthening Treatment