Deck 4: Single Subject Research

Question 1

Single subject research helps social workers determine which of the following?

A) Whether a specific situation is actually improving with a particular intervention.
B) Whether one intervention is better than another across groups of cases.
C) Whether most people improve with a particular intervention.
D) How to limit the scope of their research projects to save time and money.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Single subject research is best described by which of the following?

A) A quantitative approach used to learn about new phenomena.
B) A qualitative approach used to develop theories.
C) A research design examining the influence of one variable across many individuals.
D) A quantitative approach to documenting changes over time in a limited number of specific elements.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which of the following represent limitations of basing social work practice intervention on research evidence?

A) The research evidence may show mixed or even contradictory results in several studies.
B) The research may not be generalizable to your specific client population.
C) There may not be conclusive research evidence on the issue to be addressed.
D) All of the above

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Which of the following represents a true statement?

A) The dependent variable represents the condition of behavior to be changed.
B) The independent variable represents a variable whose value influences the value of only one other variable.
C) The independent variable represents the condition of behavior to be changed.
D) The dependent variable represents a variable whose value influences the value of other variables.

Question 5

In single subject research, the dependent variable is represented by which of the following?

A) The intervention.
B) The baseline measure.
C) The short-term objective.
D) The measurement level.

Question 6

In single subject social work research, the independent variable is represented by which of the following?

A) The intervention.
B) The baseline measure.
C) The treatment or service goals.
D) The measurement level.

Question 7

In terms of defining measurable goals, which of the following represents a true statement?

A) Measuring the intensity of a behavior is not an effective method for operationalizing a variable.
B) Whenever possible, it is best to define goals via positive rather than negative behaviors.
C) One overarching goal must be utilized; it is not possible to break down complex behaviors into smaller subgoals.
D) Using several different measures to capture a behavior duplicates efforts and results in misuse of scare resources.

Question 8

Triangulation is best represented by which of the following?

A) Using valid and reliable measures to assess the dependent variable.
B) Breaking down complex behaviors into manageable subgoals.
C) A series of measurements taken before the intervention is introduced.
D) Using several difference measures to assess progress.

Question 9

The purpose of taken baseline measures is to:

A) Develop instructions for monitoring behavior on a regular basis.
B) Aid in determining who should collect measures of interest.
C) Establish the pattern of behavior before intervention
D) Minimize the inherent bias and reactivity of self-report measures.

Question 10

Baseline measures based on personal memories of past experiences, notes from a diary or journal, or formal school records are referred to as:

A) Triangulated baselines.
B) Retrospective baselines.
C) Unstable baselines.
D) Independent baselines.

Question 11

In specifying the independent variable, which of the following need to be considered?

A) The frequency of appointments.
B) The responsibility of all parties.
C) Rules concerning how data are to be collected.
D) All of the above.

Question 12

The graph below depicts which of the following single subject designs?

A) AB design.
B) Multiple baseline design.
C) Reversal design.
D) Changing criterion design.

Question 13

The graph below depicts which of the following single subject designs?

A) Changing criterion design.
B) Multiple baseline design.
C) Reversal design.
D) Multiple component design.

Question 14

The graph below depicts which of the following single subject designs?

A) Reversal design.
B) Multiple component design.
C) AB design.
D) Changing criterion design.

Question 15

A multiple baseline design is useful for:

A) Measuring sequential interventions or changes in the amount or intensity of the same intervention.
B) Providing greater assurance that the intervention is responsible for observed changes in behavior.
C) Reducing a specific behavior gradually.
D) Illustrating the trend in a target variable in two or more related cases prior to the intervention.

Question 16

Therapeutic success is best defined as:

A) The situation for which an individual seeks services is resolved.
B) Any attempt to make positive change.
C) The intervention has produced a clear improvement, but the goals have not been completely reached.
D) All of the above.

Question 17

Experimental success is best defined as:

A) Changes in the intervention period are greater than would be expected by chance variation.
B) Any attempt to make positive change.
C) The intervention has produced a clear improvement, but the goals have not been completely reached.
D) The situation for which an individual seeks services is resolved.

Question 18

Which of the following represent the benefits of using single subject research to inform practice?

A) Evidence of progress.
B) Promoting critical thinking.
C) Limited validity.
D) Both a and b.

Question 19

Which of the following represents the drawbacks of using single subject research to inform practice?

A) Inadequate time series measures.
B) Individual focus.
C) Limited scope
D) All of the above.

Question 20

Single subject research design is considered efficient for which of the following reasons?

A) It reinforces the use of interventions supported by research.
B) It provides important information about when to change course because an intervention isn't working.
C) It can be incorporated into practice with little additional time or expense.
D) It opens up communication between social workers and clients.

Question 21

List the logical steps to follow in conducting single subject research.

Question 22

Briefly describe the differences among the following baseline measures: ascending, descending, stable, and unstable.

Question 23

Draw five graphs, each one depicting one of the following single subject designs: AB, multiple baseline, multiple component, reversal, and changing criterion.

Question 24

What is the difference between therapeutic success and experimental success?

Question 25

Using the data points below relative to a behavioral change intervention, construct a graph that includes all necessary components as detailed in the chapter. What do you surmise from the results of your graph regarding the intervention associated behavioral change?
You are tracking the number of minutes of fussing behavior on a nightly basis.
Baseline: 25, 38, 27, 30, 25, 30, 20
Intervention: 30, 35, 25, 20, 15, 10, 15, 10, 10, 15, 8, 10, 8, 5, 5, 10, 5, 8, 5, 0, 5, 3, 5, 1, 0, 5, 0, 3. 0, 0
Follow up: 0, 0

Question 26

What are the three components of the baseline phase in single subject research?

Question 27

Describe two ways to minimize bias when using self-report measures.

Question 28

What type of single subject research design would best capture the impact of the interventions to modify Jon's sleeping behavior, as discussed in the case-in-point [include Improving Bedtime Behavior text from page 106 in exam].

Question 29

Using the data points below relative to a behavioral change intervention, construct a graph that includes all necessary components as detailed in the chapter. What do you surmise from the results of your graph regarding the intervention associated behavioral change?
You are tracking the number of minutes of fussing behavior on a nightly basis.
Baseline: 25, 38, 27, 30, 25, 30, 20
Intervention: 30, 35, 25, 20, 15, 10, 15, 10, 10, 15, 8, 10, 8, 5, 5, 10, 5, 8, 5, 0, 5, 3, 5, 1, 0, 5, 0, 3. 0, 0
Follow up: 0, 0