SCR: Chapter 1

• Applied research involves systematic investigation related to the pursuit of knowledge in practical realms or to solve real-world problems.
• independent variables—the variables manipulated by researchers (i.e., interventions)
• dependent variables—the variables we expect to change given the manipulation (i.e., target behaviors)
• A study with adequate mechanisms for ensuring that outcomes are related to your intervention procedures rather than extraneous factors is said to have adequate internal validity.
• Studies with high levels of internal validity allow researchers to demonstrate experimental control.
• experimental control is demonstrated, we have verified that there is a functional relation between the independent and dependent variables
• Evidence-based practice refers to intervention procedures that have been scientifically verified as being effective for changing a specific behavior of interest, under given conditions, and for particular participants.
• reliability (i.e., consistency) by defining the target behavior (or event) clearly and concisely so that two independent observers consistently agree on scoring what they observe.
• threats to internal validity—variables other than the planned independent variable that could result in changes in the dependent variable
• Nomothetic research approaches are generally based in the natural sciences and are characterized by attempting to explain associations that can be generalized to a group given certain characteristics.
• Idiographic approaches to research, common in the humanities, attempt to specify associations that vary based on certain characteristics or contingencies present for the participant or case of interest.
• validity (i.e., accuracy) and reliability (i.e., consistency) of information in their research reports
• SCD is a quantitative experimental research approach in which study participants serve as their own control, a principle known as baseline logic
• In the simplest SCD study, each participant is exposed to both a “control” condition, known as baseline, and an intervention condition.
• History refers to events that occur during an experiment, but that are not related to planned procedural changes, that may influence the outcome.
• Maturation refers to changes in behavior due to the passage of time.
• Testing is a threat in any study that requires participants to respond to the same test repeatedly, especially during a baseline or probe condition.
• Instrumentation threats refer to concerns with the measurement system.
• Procedural infidelity refers to the lack of adherence to condition protocols by study implementers.
• Attrition refers to the loss of participants during the course of a study.
• Attrition bias refers to the likelihood that participant loss (attrition) impacts the outcome of the study.