A practitioner's guide to conducting and analysing embedded randomized single-case experimental designs

Single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) are a class of experimental designs suited for answering research questions at an individual level. The main designs available in SCED research are phase designs, multiple baseline designs, alternation designs, and changing criterion designs. Embedded designs, also referred to as combination or hybrid designs, consist of one of these basic designs forms embedded in another design (e.g., a changing criterion design embedded in a multiple baseline design). Systematic reviews of SCEDs have repeatedly indicated that embedded designs are frequently used in applied SCED research. In spite of their popularity, specific recommendations on the conduct and analysis of embedded SCED designs are lacking to date. The purpose of the present article is therefore to provide guidance to applied researchers wishing to conduct embedded SCED designs in terms of design options, design requirements, randomization, and data analysis.

Automated summary

Single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) are used for individual-level research questions. Embedded designs, which are frequently used, lack specific recommendations. This article provides guidance on embedded SCED designs, including design options, requirements, randomization, and data analysis.