The generality,analysis, and assessment of single-subject data

Arguments concerning the generality and statistical analysis of single-subject data are evaluated. Consideration is also given to the role that philosophy of science can play in evaluating research methodology. From this background, single-subject data emerge as a unique phenomenon with special relevance for psychologists and educators who focus on the individual. Statistical techniques for analyzing an individual's data are found to have numerous limitations. Furthermore, critiques of visual analysis yield analogous arguments against inferential statistics. Philosophy of science has proven a poor touchstone for evaluating scientific methodology. Instead, it is best at placing philosophical foundations under already constructed methods and theories.     

What Should High–Risk Operations Evaluate Relative To Safety And Safety Training

This article presents a concise argument for strategic planning for training effectiveness evaluation for high–risk operations including nuclear power training. The article looks at external criteria for such evaluation including considerations of: (1) the safety of the general population, (2) the safety of employees, and (3) the cost–effective delivery of the organization's products and services (e.g., the delivery of energy).     

Effects of stretch shortening cycle exercise fatigue on stress fracture injury risk during landing

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in landing performance during fatigue that could result in increased stress fracture injury risk. Five participants performed nonfatigued and fatigued drop landings (0.60 m), while ground reaction force (GRF), electromyographic (EMG) activity, and kinematics were recorded. Fatigue was defined as a 5-20% reduction in vertical jumping performance. Single-subject analyses revealed that all participants were affected (p < or = .05) by fatigue. Post hoc comparisons revealed a group effect (p < or = .05) for selected variables. Participants landed with (a) less joint flexion at contact and used a greater range of motion, (b) greater GRF peaks and loading rates, and (c) less EMG activity. These changes were consistent with greater risk of stress fracture.