Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-m6dg7 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-02T21:02:02.019Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

An Illustrative Case for the Value of Individual Analysis Following a Between-group Experimental Design

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

Geoffrey N. Molloy
Geoffrey N. Molloy*
Affiliation:
Monash University
*
Faculty of Education, Monash University, Clayton Vic. 3168
Get access

Abstract

Proponents of between-group experimentation are quick to point out that parametric methods are superior to the experimental analysis of individual responses on the grounds that group statistical designs have external validity by virtue of random sampling and standardised rules and conventions for hypothesis testing. In contrast, advocates of single-case experimental designs invariably invoke the argument that a major limitation of between-group methodology is that the averaging of results masks individual differences. The data presented illustrate some strengths and weaknesses of both procedures and demonstrate that generalising from groups to individuals can be practically useless.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 7 , Issue 4 , December 1990 , pp. 172 - 178
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1990

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

American College of Sports Medicine. (1980). Guidelines for graded exercise testing and exercise prescription. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia.Google Scholar
Astrand, P.O., & Rodahl, K. (1986). Textbook of work physiology. NY: McGraw-Hill.Google Scholar
Barlow, D.H., Hayes, S.C., & Nelson, R.O. (1984). The scientist practitioner. Research and accountability in clinical and educational settings. NY: Pergamon Press.Google Scholar
Barlow, D.H., & Hersen, M. (1984). Single case experimental designs. Strategies for studying behavior change. NY: Pergamon Press.Google Scholar
Birnbrauer, J.S. (1981). External validity and experimental investigation of individual behaviour. Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 1, 117–132.Google Scholar
Birnbrauer, J.S., Peterson, C.P., & Solnick, J.V. (1974). The design and interpretation of studies of single subjects. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 79, 191–203.Google Scholar
Birnbrauer, J.S., Wolf, M.M., Kidder, J.D., & Tague, C. (1965). Classroom behavior of retarded pupils with token reinforcement. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 2, 219–235.Google Scholar
Karvonen, M.J., Kentala, E., & Mustala, O. (1957). The effects of training on heart rate. Annales Medicinae Experimentalis et Biologie Fenniae, 35, 307–314.Google ScholarPubMed
Kazdin, A.E. (1982). Single-case research designs: Methods for clinical and applied settings. NY: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Kazdin, A.E. (1989). Behavior modification in applied settings. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.Google Scholar
MacKenzie, A.J., & Molloy, G.N. (1980). Individual differences and the elusive ATI. New Education, 2, 33–135.Google Scholar
Molloy, G.N. (1985). Behavioral approaches to the training of the mentally retarded. In Ashman, A.F. & Laura, R.S. (Eds.), The education and training of the mentally retarded (pp. 43–84). London: Croom Helm.Google Scholar
Molloy, G.N. (1988). Varied intensities of training, predicted maximal oxygen uptake and the minimum threshold hypothesis. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 67, 791–794.Google Scholar
Molloy, G.N., & King, N.J. (1984). Behavioural assessment: Basic principles. Behaviour Change, 2, 18–24.Google Scholar
Molloy, G.N., & Sharpley, C.F. (1986). Experimental design and assessment strategies. In King, N.J. & Remenyi, A. (Eds.), Health care. A Behavioural approach (pp. 13–25). Sydney: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.Google Scholar
Shephard, R.J. (1988). Exercise for the elderly. Cardiovascular function and ageing. Patient Management, 8, 103–123.Google Scholar
Shephard, R.J. (1967). Physical activity and cardiovascular health: Commentary. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 96, 212–214.Google Scholar
Sidman, M. (1960). Tactics of scientific research. NY: Basic Books.Google Scholar
Ullman, L.P., & Krasner, L. (Eds.). (1965). Case studies in behavior modification. NY: Holt Rinehart and Winston.Google Scholar