Researchers and clinical professionals use single case research designs when they want to learn more about a disorder, problem, or phenomenon affecting one person. Single case designs can be ideal for studying one person in depth, such as when creating a specific intervention for a specific patient, or when studying a rare phenomenon. For example, a clinician might want to conduct in-depth, individualized research on a patient's response to intervention after a stroke. As another example, it could be rare for a patient to present with late-stage untreated syphilis. If this patient consents to be part of a single case research study, information about late-stage untreated syphilis could be gained without violating ethical standards or placing someone at risk by denying treatment.
Think of a topic or scenario you would want to research using a case study, and please respond to the following:
Discuss a hypothetical person that you would focus your study on. Why did you choose this person?
State your research question and hypothesis for a case study focused on one person.
Explain briefly what data you might collect to study your research question with the identified participant.
What are strengths to using a single case study for this study?
Discuss the possible limitations to your study.
Exploring the Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Reducing Anxiety Symptoms in a Young Adult
Hypothetical Person for Study:
For this case study, I would focus on Sarah, a 25-year-old young adult who has been experiencing persistent anxiety symptoms that significantly impact her daily life. I chose Sarah as the focus of my study because she represents a demographic that is increasingly affected by anxiety disorders, and her willingness to participate in the study can provide valuable insights into the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for this age group.
Research Question and Hypothesis:
Research Question: Can a mindfulness-based intervention reduce anxiety symptoms in young adults?
Hypothesis: Participation in a mindfulness-based intervention will lead to a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms among young adults like Sarah.
Data Collection:
To study the research question with Sarah, I would collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data could include pre- and post-intervention anxiety assessments using standardized scales like the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. Qualitative data could involve recording Sarah's subjective experiences with mindfulness practices and their impact on her anxiety levels through interviews or journal entries.
Strengths of Single Case Study:
1. In-depth Examination: Single case studies allow for a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the individual's response to the intervention.
2. Tailored Interventions: The intervention can be customized to suit the specific needs and characteristics of the participant, potentially leading to more personalized outcomes.
3. Ethical Considerations: By focusing on a single participant, ethical concerns regarding treatment withholding or exposure to risky conditions are minimized.
Limitations of the Study:
1. Generalizability: Findings from a single case study may not be applicable to a broader population due to the unique characteristics of the individual being studied.
2. External Factors: External variables such as life events or other interventions outside the study can influence the outcomes, making it challenging to attribute changes solely to the intervention.
3. Subjectivity: Interpretation of results in a single case study can be subjective, potentially leading to biases in data analysis and conclusions.
In conclusion, conducting a single case study on Sarah's response to a mindfulness-based intervention for anxiety can offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of such interventions in young adults. While there are limitations to consider, the detailed examination and personalized approach provided by single case studies can contribute significantly to understanding individual responses to interventions.