EFFECTS OF SUBJECT AND RATER CHARACTERISTICS ON THE ACCURACY OF VISUAL ANALYSIS OF SINGLE-SUBJECT DATA

The accuracy of interpretation of single subject data was evaluated by comparing raters' Visual analysis of behavior change with statistical determination of behavior change using the split-middle methods of tr end estimation. In addition, the effects of rater background (undergra duate, graduate student) and characteristics of the fictitious student (gender, label) on the ratings were determined. Results indicated tha t the accuracy of visual analysis was less than chance (47%). Rater an d student characteristics, for the most part, did not affect the ratin gs. Implications of these results are discussed. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.