Single Case Research Methodology
Applications in Special Education and Behavioral Sciences
📘 About This Book
In this anticipated new edition of Single Case Research Methodology, David L. Gast and Jennifer R. Ledford detail why and how to apply standard principles of single case research methodology to one’s own research or professional project. Using numerous and varied examples, they demonstrate how single case research can be used for research in behavioral and school psychology, special education, speech and communication sciences, language and literacy, occupational therapy, and social work. This thoroughly updated new edition features two entirely new chapters on measurement systems and controversial issues in single subject research, in addition to sample data sheets, graphic displays, and detailed guidelines for conducting visual analysis of graphic data. This book will be an important resource to student researchers, practitioners, and university faculty who are interested in answering applied research questions and objectively evaluating educational and clinical practices.
📖 Summary
Single Case Research Methodology by Jennifer R. Ledford, co-authored with David L. Gast, serves as a comprehensive guide for applying standard principles of single case research to professional projects and academic studies. Spanning 439 pages and published in 2014, this thoroughly updated edition addresses the critical need for rigorous evaluative methods in fields such as special education, behavioral and school psychology, speech and communication sciences, occupational therapy, language and literacy, and social work. The authors systematically break down the why and the how of single case designs, making complex methodological concepts accessible to both novice researchers and seasoned practitioners. Throughout the volume, numerous and varied examples illustrate how these research strategies can be practically implemented in diverse professional environments. Readers are guided through the foundational philosophies of single case research, learning how to establish reliable measurement systems, implement specific research designs, and evaluate outcomes effectively. This edition notably expands upon the previous work by introducing two entirely new chapters. One focuses on measurement systems, providing clarity on how to accurately capture behavioral data, while the other addresses controversial issues in single subject research, encouraging critical thinking about the limitations and debates within the methodology. To further aid the reader, the book includes practical tools such as sample data sheets and clear graphic displays. Additionally, it offers detailed, step-by-step guidelines for conducting visual analysis of graphic data, a crucial skill for interpreting the results of single case studies accurately. By bridging the gap between theoretical research design and practical application, the text equips professionals and students with the necessary competencies to evaluate intervention efficacy on an individual or small-group level. Ultimately, Single Case Research Methodology stands as an essential reference manual for anyone seeking to utilize empirical evidence to improve practices in education and the allied health professions.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides numerous and varied practical examples across multiple disciplines
Includes helpful sample data sheets and clear graphic displays
Offers detailed guidelines for conducting visual data analysis
Addresses controversial issues and measurement systems in dedicated new chapters
⚠️ Cons
May be too academic or dense for readers without a basic background in research methods
Focused primarily on specific applied fields rather than broad qualitative approaches
❓ FAQ
Who wrote Single Case Research Methodology? +
The book was written by Jennifer R. Ledford and David L. Gast.
When was this edition published? +
This updated edition was published in 2014.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book contains 439 pages.
What fields can benefit from this research methodology? +
Fields such as special education, behavioral psychology, speech sciences, occupational therapy, and social work can benefit.
What new content is featured in this updated edition? +
It features two entirely new chapters on measurement systems and controversial issues in single subject research.
