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This paper introduces the Special Issue ofNeuropsychological Rehabilitationon Single Case Experimental Design (SCED) methodology. SCED studies have a long history of use in evaluating behavioural and psychological interventions, but in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in SCED methodology, driven in part by the development of standards for conducting and reporting SCED studies. Although there is consensus on some aspects of SCED methodology, the question of how SCED data should be analysed remains unresolved. This Special Issues includes two papers discussing aspects of conducting SCED studies, five papers illustrating use of SCED methodology in clinical practice, and nine papers that present different methods of SCED data analysis. A final Discussion paper summarises points of agreement, highlights areas where further clarity is needed, and ends with a set of resources that will assist researchers conduct and analyse SCED studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procedural fidelity (PF) refers to the implementation of a research plan, as intended. Measuring PF should be done not to satisfy minimum requirements for publication but to provide useful information to implementers, researchers, and consumers of research. Measurement of PF requires careful consideration and planning, and should include: naming important steps to be completed in each condition, defining each step, choosing a measurement system, determining which analysis is beneficial, training observers, conducting observations, analysing fidelity and identifying discrepancies, and reporting adequate data for consumers. Careful measurement and reporting of PF data will lead to advances in determining which interventions are effective, for whom, and under what conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual analysis of graphic displays of data is a cornerstone of studies using a single case experimental design (SCED). Data are graphed for each participant during a study with trend, level, and stability of data assessed within and between conditions. Reliable interpretations of effects of an intervention are dependent on researchers' understanding and use of systematic procedures. The purpose of this paper is to provide readers with a rationale for visual analysis of data when using a SCED, a step-by-step guide for conducting a visual analysis of graphed data, as well as to highlight considerations for persons interested in using visual analysis to evaluate an intervention, especially the importance of collecting reliability data for dependent measures and fidelity of implementation of study procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]