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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Types of Single-Subject Designs: The AB Design (measuring symptoms of depression)
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* * * *
Scores on depression measure (lower scores = less depression)
Visit with social worker
A=Baseline Phase B=Intervention Phase
© 2011 Taylor & Francis

6. Types of Single-Subject Designs: The ABAB Design (measuring symptoms of depression)
* * *
* * *
* * * *
Scores on depression measure (lower scores = less depression)
Visit with social worker
A=Baseline Phase B=Intervention Phase
© 2011 Taylor & Francis