| ABAB design (reversal design) | A single-case experimental design in which an initial baseline stage (A) is followed by a treatment stage (B), a return to baseline (A), and then another treatment stage (B); the researcher observes whether behavior changes on introduction of the treatment, reverses when the treatment is withdrawn, and improves again when the treatment is reintroduced.
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| baseline stage | First stage of a single-case experiment in which a record is made of the individual's behavior prior to any intervention.
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| case study | An intensive description and analysis of a single individual.
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| idiographic approach | Intensive study of an individual, with an emphasis on both individual uniqueness and lawfulness.
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| multiple-baseline design | A single-case experimental design (across individuals, across behaviors, across situations) in which the effect of a treatment is demonstrated by showing that behaviors in more than one baseline change as a consequence of the introduction of a treatment; multiple baselines are established for different individuals, for different behaviors in the same individual, or for the same individual in different situations.
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| nomothetic approach | Approach to research that seeks to establish broad generalizations or laws that apply to large groups (populations) of individuals; the average or typical performance of a group is emphasized.
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| single-case (N = 1) experiment | A procedure that focuses on behavior change in one individual (N = 1) by systematically contrasting conditions within that individual while continuously monitoring behavior.
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