Dev Neurorehabil. 2018 May;21(4):238-252. doi: 10.3109/17518423.2015.1100688. Epub 2016 Jan 25.

Quantifying differences between conditions in single-case designs: Possible analysis and meta-analysis.

Developmental neurorehabilitation

Rumen Manolov, Antonio Solanas

PMID: 26809851 DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2015.1100688

Abstract

The current paper is a call for and illustration of a way of closing the gap between basic research and professional practice in the field of neurorehabilitation. Methodologically, single-case experimental designs and the guidelines created regarding their conduct are highlighted. Statistically, we review two data analytical options, namely (a) indices quantifying the difference between pairs of conditions in the same metric as the target behavior and (b) a formal statistical procedure offering a standardized overall quantification. The paper provides guidance in the analysis and suggests free software in order to illustrate, in the context of data from behavioral interventions with children with developmental disorders, that informative analyses are feasible. We also show how the results of individual studies can be made eligible for meta-analyses, which are useful for establishing the evidence basis of interventions. Nevertheless, we also point at decisions that need to be made during the process of data analysis.

Keywords: Effect size; meta-analysis; single-case designs; standardized mean difference

MeSH terms

• Child
• Education of Intellectually Disabled / methods
• Education of Intellectually Disabled / standards
• Humans
• Meta-Analysis as Topic*
• Neurological Rehabilitation / methods
• Neurological Rehabilitation / standards

Publication Types

• Journal Article