Which of the following statements is true regarding the relative advantages of single-case experimental designs as compared to multiple-group designs in clinical research?
A) Ethical problems arising from withholding a potentially beneficial treatment are less likely to arise in single-case designs than in multiple-group designs.
B) Single-case designs are especially useful when research is directed toward changing the behavior of large groups of individuals.
C) Multiple-group designs are more effective when an investigator in clinical research can gain access to only a small number of clients with a particular disorder.
D) Single-case designs are effective in identifying what treatments "in general" should be applied to modify behavior, but it is not possible to specify what effect the treatment will have on any specific individual.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Single-case designs typically involve studying the effects of an intervention on one individual, whereas multiple-group designs involve comparing the effects of different interventions on multiple individuals or groups. In single-case designs, the individual serves as his or her own control and can receive the intervention regardless of whether it is effective or not, thus minimizing ethical concerns. Option B is incorrect because single-case designs are not typically used to change the behavior of large groups of individuals. Option C is also incorrect because multiple-group designs are used when investigators have access to multiple groups, whereas single-case designs are used when they have access to only one individual. Finally, option D is incorrect because single-case designs are specifically designed to identify the effect of an intervention on a specific individual, and can be used to make predictions about future effects of the same intervention on the same individual.

Which of the Following Statements Is True Regarding the Relative