THE USE OF A SINGLE-CASE RESEARCH DESIGN TO INVESTIGATE THE EFFICACY OF IMAGERY TRAINING

The examination of the effectiveness of imagery training has frequentl y produced contradictory results. Single-case research designs have be en proposed as potentially useful in overcoming the problem of conflic ting results (Wollman, 1986). This paper reports the findings of a mul tiple-baseline design across individuals examining the impact of an im agery training routine on basketball free-throw performance. Four fema le basketball players carried out twenty-six trials in which twenty fr ee-throws were scored for accuracy to produce performance scores. Each subject was sequentially administered a basketball specific imagery t raining routine during the course of the trials. Mental training diari es were used as a manipulation check, and after completion of the expe rimental period each subject completed a social validation questionnai re. Questionnaire results showed a positive reception of the imagery t raining routine, and the diaries showed regular training had been comp leted. Performance scores were plotted for each trial and subjects' gr aphs were assessed for intervention related change against mean perfor mance change and established Split-Middle analysis criteria (White, 19 74). Results suggested only one subject demonstrated a consistent impr ovement after beginning the imagery training. The results support the usefulness of single-case research designs for examining individual di fferences to sport psychology interventions. This research approach sh ould prove to be valuable to both the applied and researching sport ps ychologist.