Randomization Procedures for Changing Criterion Designs.
To strengthen the scientific credibility arguments for single-case intervention studies, randomization design-and-analysis methods have been developed for the multiple-baseline, ABAB, and alternating treatment designs, including options for preplanned designs, wherein the series and phase lengths are established prior to gathering data, as well as options for response-guided designs, wherein ongoing visual analyses guide decisions about when to intervene. Our purpose here is to develop randomization methods for another class of single-case design, the changing criterion design. We first illustrate randomization design-and-analysis methods for preplanned changing criterion designs and then develop and illustrate methods for response-guided changing criterion designs. We discuss the limitations associated with the randomization methods and the validity of the corresponding intervention-effect inferences.
Masked Visual Analysis: Minimizing Type I Error in Visually Guided Single-Case Design for Communication Disorders.
Purpose
Single-case experimental designs are widely used to study interventions for communication disorders. Traditionally, single-case experiments follow a response-guided approach, where design decisions during the study are based on participants' observed patterns of behavior. However, this approach has been criticized for its high rate of Type I error. In masked visual analysis (MVA), response-guided decisions are made by a researcher who is blinded to participants' identities and treatment assignments. MVA also makes it possible to conduct a hypothesis test assessing the significance of treatment effects.


Method
This tutorial describes the principles of MVA, including both how experiments can be set up and how results can be used for hypothesis testing. We then report a case study showing how MVA was deployed in a multiple-baseline across-subjects study investigating treatment for residual errors affecting rhotics. Strengths and weaknesses of MVA are discussed.


Conclusions
Given their important role in the evidence base that informs clinical decision making, it is critical for single-case experimental studies to be conducted in a way that allows researchers to draw valid inferences. As a method that can increase the rigor of single-case studies while preserving the benefits of a response-guided approach, MVA warrants expanded attention from researchers in communication disorders.
Energy
Energy is often defined as the ability to do work. There are many forms of energy. A few examples include; Gravitational energy, Kinetic energy (energy of motion), Thermal energy (heat energy), Potential energy. Potential energy is the energy something has based on its position in the universe. A stretched elastic band has potential energy. A rock held up in the air has potential energy based on its position.