Bryce is a occupational therapist working with Sandy, a patient with brain injury. Bryce has decided to test the effects of a graphing strategy with Sandy. He starts the graphing technique while collecting data in the form of minutes of strength training per day. He discontinues the graphing technique and still collects minutes of strength training per day. Bryce then reintroduces the graphing technique. Which of the following is the most critical drawback of the design Bryce has selected?
A) Selection of experimental participant
B) No baseline data were collected
C) Withdrawal of treatment condition
D) Ethics of treatment reversal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most critical drawback of the design is that no baseline data were collected. Without baseline data, it is impossible to determine if there was a true effect of the graphing strategy or if the changes were simply due to natural fluctuations over time. The withdrawal of treatment condition and ethics of treatment reversal are potential ethical concerns, but the lack of baseline data is the most pressing issue in this design. The selection of experimental participant may also be a concern, but it is not specified in the scenario.

Bryce Is a Occupational Therapist Working with Sandy, a Patient