Essay

Explain how a researcher's academic training and tradition influence their decision to use a single-subject design versus a group design. In your explanation, contrast researchers trained in applied behavior analysis with those trained in most other areas of psychology.

Question: Explain how a researcher's academic training and tradition influence their decision to use a single-subject design versus a group design. In your explanation, contrast researchers trained in applied behavior analysis with those trained in most other areas of psychology.

Sample answer: A researcher's decision to use a single-subject or group design is heavily influenced by their academic training and tradition. Researchers trained in applied behavior analysis are trained to conceptualize questions that are best addressed with single-subject designs. In contrast, researchers trained in most other areas of psychology are trained to frame questions that are suited for group designs.

Key points:

  • The choice between a single-subject and group approach is heavily influenced by the researcher's specific training and academic tradition.
  • Researchers in applied behavior analysis are trained to frame questions suited for single-subject designs.
  • Researchers in most other areas of psychology are trained to conceptualize questions suited for group designs.

Rubric: To receive full credit, the student must explain that the choice of study design is influenced by academic training and tradition, and contrast how applied behavior analysis training predisposes researchers to single-subject designs whereas training in other psychology areas predisposes them to group designs.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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