CHAPTER FIVE EVALUATION: SINGLE-SUBJECT DESIGNS The Practice of Generalist Social Work (2nd ed.)

Key Ideas Single-subject designs are a grouping of evaluative procedures that examine changes in one client over time. Single-subject designs help to assess the effectiveness of different interventions with clients. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Processes Behind Single-Subject Designs Social worker and client choose The behavior, attitude, or belief that will be measured over time How the behavior, attitude, or belief will be measured Choice should reflect and measure the main goal(s) of client © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Phases of Single-Subject Designs Baseline Phase Measurement of behavior before client began work with social worker Intervention Phase Measurement of behavior while client was engaged in the intervention Maintenance Phase Measurement of behavior while client stabilized gains from intervention Follow-up Phase Measurement of behavior after intervention is completed © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Types of Single-Subject Designs: The AB Design (measuring symptoms of depression) * * * * * * 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Scores on depression measure (lower scores = less depression) 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 Visit with social worker A=Baseline Phase B=Intervention Phase © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Types of Single-Subject Designs: The ABAB Design (measuring symptoms of depression) * * * * * * * * * * 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Scores on depression measure (lower scores = less depression) 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Visit with social worker A=Baseline Phase B=Intervention Phase © 2011 Taylor & Francis