Beyond case reports

Case reports typically articulate a unique clinical presentation that may inform the field of an unknown condition or set of symptoms. The report may also describe an unexpected response to treatment or progression of symptoms after treatment, which indicates a novel therapeutic effect or, alternately, an unexpected adverse effect of treatment. A case study is distinct from a case report in that case studies are a type of research involving a precise, planned observation of a patient. The subject is described with detail and data is collected through observation, validated measurement instruments or other various assessment techniques. Statistical analysis is believed to be difficult to employ in single-case designs. The Single-Case Experimental Design Scale was developed to address the quality of the research efforts by focusing on several components of the design which included the sampling of behaviors during the phases, the presentation of raw data, projected ability and the potential for generalization of the findings.