title: Experimental design and primary data analysis methods for comparing adaptive interventions.
abstract: In recent years, research in the area of intervention development has been shifting from the traditional fixed-intervention approach to adaptive interventions, which allow greater individualization and adaptation of intervention options (i.e., intervention type and/or dosage) over time. Adaptive interventions are operationalized via a sequence of decision rules that specify how intervention options should be adapted to an individual's characteristics and changing needs, with the general aim to optimize the long-term effectiveness of the intervention. Here, we review adaptive interventions, discussing the potential contribution of this concept to research in the behavioral and social sciences. We then propose the sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART), an experimental design useful for addressing research questions that inform the construction of high-quality adaptive interventions. To clarify the SMART approach and its advantages, we compare SMART with other experimental approaches. We also provide methods for analyzing data from SMART to address primary research questions that inform the construction of a high-quality adaptive intervention.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan.
authors.forename: Inbal
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nahum-Shani
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University.
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Qian
authors.affiliation: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Almirall
authors.affiliation: Center for Children and Families, Florida International University.
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Pelham
authors.affiliation: Center for Children and Families, Florida International University.
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gnagy
authors.affiliation: Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York.
authors.forename: Gregory A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Fabiano
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University.
authors.forename: James G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Waxmonsky
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York.
authors.forename: Jihnhee
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Department of Statistics and Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan.
authors.forename: Susan A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D001525:Behavioral Sciences / Q000379:methods; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D012942:Social Sciences / Q000379:methods