Ssrd Example Paper
Running head: SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH DESIGN
Single Subject Research Design
Abstract
The following paper presents the use of an ABA single subject research design in evaluating a 16 year old foster youth’s behavior, and the use of an intervention on decreasing negative behavior and increasing positive behavior. Use of the ABA design, factors to be evaluated, treatment variables, implementation of the research design, data gathering, and data analysis are all discussed. Limitations of single subject research designs are also presented. Finally, graphed data is attached in the appendix.
Single Subject Research Design
Factors to be Evaluated
Halle is a 16-year-old female who currently resides in foster care. Over the past few years, she has struggled with a number of behavioral concerns including cutting, verbal aggression and physical aggression. Since Halle was placed in foster care, her verbal and physical aggression has decreased and seems to be provoked by contact with her biological mother. Although these behaviors have decreased, Halle continues to cut herself with various objects on a regular basis as a way to cope with stress. Using an ABA single subject research design, the researcher will evaluate the effectiveness of weekly individual outpatient counseling on Halle’s cutting. The foster mother was able to document the number of times Halle cut over a four week period while she was on the waiting list for counseling. This period provided baseline data on Halle’s behavior, and documented that Halle cut herself 43 times in four weeks. Halle began the counseling program after the four-week waiting period, and will meet with the counselor weekly for 10 weeks. The ABA design was chosen to evaluate the effectiveness of the current intervention for three main reasons. First, the foster mother was able to collect baseline data. Second, there is one planned intervention (individual counseling) and one main problem being treated (cutting).
Single Subject Research Design
Abstract
The following paper presents the use of an ABA single subject research design in evaluating a 16 year old foster youth’s behavior, and the use of an intervention on decreasing negative behavior and increasing positive behavior. Use of the ABA design, factors to be evaluated, treatment variables, implementation of the research design, data gathering, and data analysis are all discussed. Limitations of single subject research designs are also presented. Finally, graphed data is attached in the appendix.
Single Subject Research Design
Factors to be Evaluated
Halle is a 16-year-old female who currently resides in foster care. Over the past few years, she has struggled with a number of behavioral concerns including cutting, verbal aggression and physical aggression. Since Halle was placed in foster care, her verbal and physical aggression has decreased and seems to be provoked by contact with her biological mother. Although these behaviors have decreased, Halle continues to cut herself with various objects on a regular basis as a way to cope with stress. Using an ABA single subject research design, the researcher will evaluate the effectiveness of weekly individual outpatient counseling on Halle’s cutting. The foster mother was able to document the number of times Halle cut over a four week period while she was on the waiting list for counseling. This period provided baseline data on Halle’s behavior, and documented that Halle cut herself 43 times in four weeks. Halle began the counseling program after the four-week waiting period, and will meet with the counselor weekly for 10 weeks. The ABA design was chosen to evaluate the effectiveness of the current intervention for three main reasons. First, the foster mother was able to collect baseline data. Second, there is one planned intervention (individual counseling) and one main problem being treated (cutting).
References: Bloom, M., Fischer, J. & Orme, J. G. (2006). Evaluating Practice: Guidelines for the Accountable Professional. New York: Pearson. Burney, D. M. (2001). Initial development and score validation of the adolescent anger rating scale. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 61. Retrieved October 25, 2009 from the Academic Search Premier database. Class Powerpoint, Chapter 11. (2009). Retrieved from Blackboard October 25, 2009. Jordan, C. & Franklin, C. (2005). Clinical Assessment for Social Workers: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods. Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.