title: Meta- and statistical analysis of single-case intervention research data: quantitative gifts and a wish list.
abstract: In this commentary, we add to the spirit of the articles appearing in the special series devoted to meta- and statistical analysis of single-case intervention-design data. Following a brief discussion of historical factors leading to our initial involvement in statistical analysis of such data, we discuss: (a) the value added by including statistical-analysis recommendations in the What Works Clearinghouse Standards for single-case intervention designs; (b) the importance of visual analysis in single-case intervention research, along with the distinctive role that could be played by single-case effect-size measures; and (c) the elevated internal validity and statistical-conclusion validity afforded by the incorporation of various forms of randomization into basic single-case design structures. For the future, we envision more widespread application of quantitative analyses, as critical adjuncts to visual analysis, in both primary single-case intervention research studies and literature reviews in the behavioral, educational, and health sciences.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. Electronic address: tomkat@education.wisc.edu.
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Kratochwill
authors.affiliation: University of Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: Joel R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Levin
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D011897:Random Allocation; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Effect size; Meta-analysis; Single-case research; Visual analysis; What Works Clearinghouse Standards