Question 1

The cases to be studied in single-case research should be selected
A) based on their relevance for the hypothesis to be tested.
B) randomly from the general population.
C) randomly from whatever groups of people are available to the researcher.
D) based on their similarity to the "average" person in the population.

Accepted Answer

The cases to be studied should be selected based on their relevance for the hypothesis to be tested. This means that the cases should be carefully chosen based on specific criteria that are important for the research question. Random selection (B and C) is not appropriate for single-case research, as individual cases are typically selected for their unique characteristics or experiences. Similarly, selecting cases that are similar to the "average" person in the population (D) may not be relevant or informative for the research question at hand.

Question 2

Single-case research uses formal, well-defined measures of the dependent variable to establish
A) objectivity.
B) impact.
C) control.
D) replicability.

Accepted Answer

Single-case research emphasizes the use of formal, well-defined measures of the dependent variable primarily to ensure objectivity in the study. This approach helps in minimizing biases and subjective interpretations, allowing for a more accurate and reliable assessment of the observed phenomena.

Question 3

To enhance validity, measurement in single-case research should be
A) subjective.
B) based on one or two assessments.
C) based on multiple sources of information.
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

To enhance validity in single-case research, measurement should be based on multiple sources of information. This helps to ensure that the results are not biased by the subjective views of just one observer or the limited scope of one or two assessments. Choosing subjective measures could introduce even more bias into the research.

Question 4

In case study research, a test case is analogous to a(n) ________ in group-comparison research.
A) control group
B) experimental group
C) moderator variable
D) outlier

Accepted Answer

In group-comparison research, the experimental group is the one that receives the treatment or condition being tested, similar to how a test case is used in case study research to explore a particular instance or condition.

Question 5

You set out to replicate the findings of a case study. Your best approach to establishing the validity of the original study is to
A) use subjective assessments of the new case.
B) select a case that is very different from the original case.
C) use only a short baseline.
D) do all of the above

Accepted Answer

Selecting a case that is very different from the original case helps to establish if the findings of the original study are generalizable or limited to specific contexts. Using subjective assessments or only a short baseline can introduce biases and limit the validity of the replication study. Therefore, option B is the best approach.

Question 6

In case study research, the advantage of using multiple dependent variables is that
A) observed changes are less likely to be due to confounds.
B) a shorter baseline can be established.
C) acute rather than chronic dependent variables can be assessed.
D) you need fewer assessments of any of the included variables.

Accepted Answer

Using multiple dependent variables can help to decrease the likelihood that any observed changes are due to confounding variables or factors. By using multiple measures, it is possible to obtain a clearer picture of the overall impact of the independent variable on the dependent variables. This can provide more robust evidence for the effectiveness or lack thereof of the intervention being studied.

Question 7

Unlike control groups in experimental research, the use of control cases in single-case research
A) cannot aid in assessing the impact of a treatment.
B) is sometimes undesirable because of ethical concerns.
C) cannot be used to rule out alternative explanations for a phenomenon.
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

Control cases in single-case research can indeed aid in assessing the impact of a treatment and help rule out alternative explanations for a phenomenon. However, their use is sometimes undesirable because of ethical concerns, especially when withholding treatment from a control case could be harmful.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about treatment impact as an indicator of internal validity in single-case research is FALSE?
A) A large impact is more indicative of validity than is a small impact.
B) A treatment that has an immediate impact is more likely to be valid than one that has a delayed impact.
C) A treatment that has long-term effects is more likely to be valid than one that has only short-term effects.
D) A treatment is more likely to be valid if it results in changes in an acute problem rather than a chronic problem.

Accepted Answer

The statement "A treatment is more likely to be valid if it results in changes in an acute problem rather than a chronic problem" is false. Chronic problems may require a longer treatment period and thus a delayed impact may be expected, whereas acute problems may have a quicker treatment response but may not necessarily indicate greater validity.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the treatment used in single-case research is FALSE?
A) Ideally, the researcher should manipulate the treatment like an independent variable.
B) The researcher and the research participant should collaborate to develop the most effective treatment plan.
C) Researchers much ensure that the treatment is implemented exactly as designed, with no deviations.
D) If the treatment it theory-based, it should be designed to include all elements that the theory holds to be essential for success.

Accepted Answer

In single-case research, the primary focus is on manipulating the treatment as an independent variable to observe its effect on the dependent variable, ensuring the treatment is implemented as designed, and aligning the treatment with theoretical frameworks when applicable. The statement about researchers and participants collaborating to develop the treatment plan is false because, in rigorous research designs, the treatment is typically predefined by the researcher based on theoretical or empirical evidence rather than being collaboratively developed with participants.

Question 10

Case studies can be used to
A) describe the events that take place in a situation.
B) test hypotheses.
C) evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
D) do any of the above.

Accepted Answer

Case studies can be used for a variety of purposes, including describing events in a situation, testing hypotheses, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Therefore, the best choice is D, which includes all of the options listed.

Question 11

When designing case study research, one should
A) look for situations that allow for continuous assessment and provide multiple sources of information as a way of enhancing internal validity.
B) avoid manipulating an independent variable to minimizing experimenter effects.
C) try to find replication cases that are as similar as possible to the test case as a way of maximizing homogeneity.
D) try to find control cases that differ from the test case as a way of maximizing heterogeneity.

Accepted Answer

Continuous assessment and multiple sources of information enhance internal validity by allowing for a thorough understanding of the situation being studied. Manipulating an independent variable and finding replication or control cases are not relevant to case study research design.

Question 12

In case study research, the unit of analysis is the
A) measure used to operationally define the dependent variable.
B) level of aggregation (e.g., individual worker, work group) at which data are to be collected.
C) number of included control cases.
D) number of assessments made during the course of the study.

Accepted Answer

The unit of analysis in case study research refers to the level of aggregation at which data are collected. It could be an individual, a group, an organization, etc. This unit determines the scope of the study and the generalization of the findings. Operational measures, control cases, and assessments are all related to the research design and methods, but they do not define the unit of analysis.

Question 13

An embedded case study
A) only assesses measures that are naturally part of the research setting, such as number of units produced by a factory.
B) uses participant observation as a means of collecting data.
C) studies the same question or hypothesis at different levels of analysis.
D) uses the test case as its own control, similar to a within-subjects experimental design.

Accepted Answer

An embedded case study involves studying the same question or hypothesis at different levels of analysis, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. This approach can provide insights into how processes or outcomes vary across different contexts or levels within the case.

Question 14

Professor Kinsey was interested in how a board of directors determined the compensation package for its top executives. She evaluated the board's overall decision as well as the input of each individual board member. Professor Kinsey conducted a(n)
A) multiple baseline study.
B) embedded case study.
C) test/control case study.
D) pattern matching study.

Accepted Answer

The study conducted by Professor Kinsey is an example of an embedded case study, as it focused on a particular case (the board of directors and its compensation decisions) and also examined the individual input and overall decision-making process of the board members. A multiple baseline study involves measuring behavior over time under different conditions, a test/control case study compares a treatment group to a control group, and a pattern matching study involves comparing similar cases to identify patterns. None of these fully match the research design described in this scenario.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT an important factor to consider when establishing an effective case study team?
A) thoroughly training all team members
B) differentiating the roles and responsibilities of junior and senior team members
C) ensuring there is sufficient time to discuss the case during project development
D) involving all team members at all stages of the project

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is NOT an...

Question 16

The data collection plan for a case study
A) links each dependent variable to its operational definition.
B) lists the sources of information available for each operational definition.
C) specifies when data are to be collected from each source of information.
D) does all of the above.

Accepted Answer

A data collection plan for a case study should include all the elements listed in options A, B, and C. This ensures that data are accurately collected and organized, facilitating data analysis and interpretation of findings. Therefore, the best choice is D.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about case studies is TRUE?
A) It is important to look for evidence that might disconfirm the hypothesis as well as evidence that might support it.
B) Control cases that differ markedly from the test case enhance the external validity of the study.
C) To maintain naturalism one should avoid using objective measures as much as possible.
D) One should ignore any information that arises that is not part of the data collection plan.

Accepted Answer

It is important to look for evidence that might disconfirm the hypothesis as well as evidence that might support it to address potential biases and ensure the validity of the study. This approach is known as falsification or falsifiability, and it is a critical component of scientific inquiry. Control cases that differ from the test case may also enhance external validity, but this is not the only option, and other types of comparison groups may be appropriate depending on the research question. Maintaining naturalism and avoiding objective measures are not necessarily advisable in all cases, as this may limit the ability to standardize and replicate the study. Finally, it is generally not advisable to ignore any information that arises during the study, as this may lead to errors or oversights in the analysis.

Question 18

John experienced a head injury that resulted in a sudden ability to expertly play piano even though he had no prior music training. A neuroscientist now has the unexpected opportunity to study this case. He should
A) decline because he does not have baseline data about John's abilities.
B) avoid interviewing John's physicians because their assessments might bias his conclusions.
C) complete several assessments before drawing conclusions about the case.
D) find a control case of a person who was trained to play piano.

Accepted Answer

It is important to complete several assessments before drawing conclusions about John's case to gather comprehensive data about his abilities. This will provide a better understanding of the changes in his brain and how it relates to his newfound ability to play piano. It is also important to avoid biases, which can be achieved by using objective assessments and consulting with multiple experts in the field. While finding a control case could be beneficial for comparison, it is not necessary to study John's case.

Question 19

It is important to maintain a clear chain of evidence in a case study because doing so
A) ensures that the data were collected as specified in the data collection plan.
B) provides clear linkages between the conclusions drawn from the study and the evidence that supports those conclusions.
C) ensures that all the relevant data were collected.
D) does all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a clear chain of evidence ensures that the data were collected as specified in the data collection plan, provides clear linkages between the conclusions drawn from the study and the evidence that supports those conclusions, and ensures that all the relevant data were collected. Therefore, all of the above statements are correct.

Question 20

Of the following, a single-case experiment is MOST similar to a(n)
A) between-subjects experimental design.
B) within-subjects experimental design.
C) independent groups quasi-experimental design.
D) patched-up quasi-experimental design.

Accepted Answer

A single-case experiment (also known as a single-subject experiment or N-of-1 trial) is a type of research design in which an individual (rather than a group) is studied over time to determine the effects of an intervention (such as a treatment or therapy). This is similar to a within-subjects experimental design, which involves studying the same group of participants under different conditions or interventions. In both cases, the focus is on individual-level changes over time, rather than group differences.

Quiz 13: The Single-Case Research Strategy

The cases to be studied in single-case research should be selected

Single-case research uses formal, well-defined measures of the dependent variable to establish

To enhance validity, measurement in single-case research should be

In case study research, a test case is analogous to a(n) ________ in group-comparison research.

You set out to replicate the findings of a case study. Your best approach to establishing the validity of the original study is to

In case study research, the advantage of using multiple dependent variables is that

Unlike control groups in experimental research, the use of control cases in single-case research

Which of the following statements about treatment impact as an indicator of internal validity in single-case research is FALSE?

Which of the following statements about the treatment used in single-case research is FALSE?

Case studies can be used to

When designing case study research, one should

In case study research, the unit of analysis is the

An embedded case study

Professor Kinsey was interested in how a board of directors determined the compensation package for its top executives. She evaluated the board's overall decision as well as the input of each individual board member. Professor Kinsey conducted a(n)

Which of the following is NOT an important factor to consider when establishing an effective case study team?

The data collection plan for a case study

Which of the following statements about case studies is TRUE?

John experienced a head injury that resulted in a sudden ability to expertly play piano even though he had no prior music training. A neuroscientist now has the unexpected opportunity to study this case. He should

It is important to maintain a clear chain of evidence in a case study because doing so

Of the following, a single-case experiment is MOST similar to a(n)