Meta-analysis of single-subject research using hierarchical linear modeling : empirical examination of the procedure and functional behavior assessment-based interventions

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] The role of evidence-based practices in both research and practice continue to provoke issues of disagreement and definition across multiple fields. One area of contention is the role of single-subject research in providing scientific evidence. This study explored the potential utility of HLM-meta-analysis of single subject research and its potential role in the identification of evidence-based practices. The study conducted an HLM-meta-analysis of the functional behavior assessment (FBA)-interventions in schools for students with or at risk for emotional or behavioral disorders. Based on a sample of 68 studies, 148 subjects, and 206 outcomes, the study found that FBA-based interventions conducted in schools reduced problem behaviors by an average of 70.5%. The findings were contextualized within Worley et al.'s (2010) criteria for single subject synthesis, and Messick's (1989) model of unified validity.