A legacy neglected: Restating the case for single-case research in cognitive-behaviour therapy

Journal/Book: Behav Change. 1999; 16: 32 Jeays St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006, Australia. Australian Acad Press. 89-104.

Abstract: The dominant research tradition in psychology, including much of cognitive-behaviour therapy, requires that large numbers of subjects be allocated randomly to form treatment groups. Treatment effects typically are assessed by testing a null hypothesis about group mean differences. This paradigm seriously thwarts the development of a science of individual behaviour, inhibits the implementation of the scientist-practitioner model, stifles innovation, impairs accountability, and precludes the scientific investigation of the exceptional or novel case. Single-case research designs, first systematically expounded by Sidman (1960), make it possible to draw scientifically valid conclusions from the investigation and treatment of individuals. Criticisms of the between-groups research paradigm are summarised, the key elements of single-case designs are outlined, and their consistent adoption strongly recommended.

Note: Review Blampied NM, Univ Canterbury, Dept Psychol, PB 4800, Christchurch 1, NEW ZEALAND

Keyword(s): PSYCHOTHERAPY-RESEARCH; CLINICAL-SIGNIFICANCE; CUMULATIVE KNOWLEDGE; STATISTICAL POWER; PSYCHOLOGY; P-LESS-THAN.05; VARIABILITY; DESIGNS

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