Single Subject Research Strategies in Occupational Therapy, Part 1

This paper is designed to orient occupational therapists to the use of single subject methodology as a viable mode of clinical research. The role of single subject designs in today’s scientific world is explored through an historical perspective, and major strengths and weaknesses are discussed. Basic methodological concepts and research designs are presented to provide a foundation for therapists interested in documenting intervention results. Finally, some of the problems inherent in transferring single subject strategies to occupational therapy are presented.