Chapter 13 - Simple N Experiments Flashcards
what does the N represent?
N = sample size
what is the goal in simple N experiments?
to show that a phenomenon occurs reliably for an individual, not necessarily the average person (not looking to generalize)
define small N experiments
- each participant is treated separately
- data for each individual is presented
- careful designs allow us to compare each person during treatment and control periods
- often used in therapeutic settings
- allows us to study unique populations and special cases (Phineas gage)
what are the disadvantages to small N experiments?
- cannot have great external validity, but it often isn’t the main concern either
define stable baseline desings
- record behaviour over a period of time to establish a baseline level
- then implement intervention and record same behaviour over time to see the change
- important to compare the treatment to natural behaviours
- trying to minimize maturation threat
define multiple baseline designs
- stagger the introduction of intervention across variety of contexts, individuals or behaviours
- attempting to rule out history threat
- focus on coupling the intervention and observed change
- can also be the same behaviour across different particpants
define reversal designs
- observe behaviuor, intervene and then take away the intervention
- fosuing on coupling the intervention and behaviour change, looking at specific linkage between the two
- can be unethical if the intervention works well for the person
what validities go with small N designs?
internal: focus on design features to draw a causal conclusion
external: relation across participants, may not always be important if the goal is to improve a particular participant’s individual behaviour
construct: ensure measures are valid and reliable
statistical: often don’t use traditional statistics, focus more on quality of qualitative data
