Single-case experimental designs in neuropsychological rehabilitation

Abstract

It is becoming accepted that single-case studies can offer important contributions to theoretical aspects of neuropsychology. Such recognition has not been so forthcoming in the field of rehabilitation, where single-case studies can be employed to evaluate neuropsychological treatments. This paper describes behavioural approaches to treatment of the neurologically impaired which include single-case experimental designs that have originated in the field of behavioural psychology. Examples of behaviour programmes for the treatment of apraxia and alexia are provided together with examples of single-case experimental designs used to evaluate memory therapy. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the role of statistics in single-case studies.