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An ABAB design is an extension of the basic reversal design that involves an initial baseline phase (A), a treatment phase (B), a return to baseline through the removal of the treatment (A), and a second reintroduction of the treatment (B). For example, Hall and his colleagues utilized an ABAB design to demonstrate that a student's studying behavior increased when positive attention was provided, decreased when it was removed, and increased again when it was reintroduced.

ABAB Design

The main disadvantages of the ABAB design are ethically based. For example, withdrawing treatment could pose issues depending on the seriousness of the specific targeted behaviors involved. For example, withdrawing a treatment that markedly reduces serious self-harm in a child might be seen as unethical and unnecessary. Therefore, in some cases, it is impossible to use a reversal period. Ethical concerns can also arise in research settings where therapists may be unwilling to have their clients re-experience situations that could reinstate the very behaviors they are seeking to eradicate.

Disadvantages of ABAB Design

Arrange the phases of an ABAB design in the correct chronological order.

An ABAB reversal design can be illustrated by a study aimed at improving a student's studying behavior. The percentage of time spent studying is measured and found to be low during the initial baseline phase. A treatment is then introduced, causing studying time to increase until it stabilizes. When the treatment is removed during the second baseline phase, the studying behavior decreases. Finally, the treatment is reintroduced in a second treatment phase, which leads to studying behavior increasing once again.

ABAB Reversal Design Example

Arrange the phases of an ABAB research design in their correct chronological order.

A researcher uses an ABAB design to test whether a relaxation technique reduces anxiety in a client. During the first treatment phase, the client's anxiety decreases. When the treatment is temporarily removed, anxiety increases again. The treatment is then reintroduced and anxiety decreases once more. What is the primary reason the researcher includes the final treatment phase rather than ending the study after the return-to-baseline phase?

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