Case Study

Based on the influence of research traditions, predict which research design (single-subject or group approach) Dr. Martinez and Dr. Harrison are each most likely to choose. Justify your predictions using their academic training.

Case context: Dr. Martinez is a behavioral psychologist who specializes in applied behavior analysis, and Dr. Harrison is a social psychologist who studies group dynamics. Both researchers are interested in studying the effect of a new reinforcement schedule on classroom participation. Because of their differing backgrounds, they must choose how to design their studies.

Question: Based on the influence of research traditions, predict which research design (single-subject or group approach) Dr. Martinez and Dr. Harrison are each most likely to choose. Justify your predictions using their academic training.

Sample answer: Dr. Martinez is most likely to choose a single-subject design because researchers in applied behavior analysis are trained to frame questions suited for this approach. Dr. Harrison is most likely to choose a group design because researchers in most other areas of psychology, such as social psychology, are trained to conceptualize questions suited for group designs.

Key points:

  • Dr. Martinez is likely to choose a single-subject design because of training in applied behavior analysis.
  • Dr. Harrison is likely to choose a group design because social psychology represents another area of psychology outside applied behavior analysis.
  • The different design choices are justified by the academic training and traditions of each researcher.

Rubric: The answer must correctly predict that Dr. Martinez will use a single-subject design and Dr. Harrison will use a group design, and justify this based on their academic traditions (applied behavior analysis training vs. mainstream psychology training).

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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