70 Assignment 6: Article Analysis: Multimodal Behavior Treat…

Assignment Instructions.

The paper is to be clear and concise. 3 pages.

The paper is to be complete and thorough. It should include all items indicated in the assignment.

Incorporate a minimum of 7 current (published within the last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work.

Assignment Question: After reading chapter 10, read the study Multimodal Behavior Treatment of Nonrepetitive, Treatment-Resistant Nightmares: A Case Report.

This is an example of a case study utilizing different treatment modes to treat nightmares in one woman. On page # 48 you can see how the data is presented which is typical in a case study.

Write an article analysis that answers the following questions:

1. Figure 1 is a typical graph for a case study.

• How helpful is figure 1 in understanding the results of this case study?
• Would the research report be as effective without the figure? Explain.

1. In light of your reading of this study, do you think that case studies employing only a single case are helpful in advancing scientific knowledge? Explain. Are there certain areas that you are familiar with that you believe a single case study would be helpful?
2. The researcher provides a large number of references in the literature review.

• Does this large number give you confidence in the findings?
• Would a smaller number be just as effective? Explain.

Grading Rubric:

Identification of Main Issues/Problems: Identify and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the issues/problems.

Analysis and Evaluation of Issues/Problems: Presents an insightful, thorough analysis and evaluation of issues/problems.

Demonstrates a Conceptual Understanding: Provides a thorough, competent and interpretive responses to all issues/problems, and shows a high level of conceptual understanding.

Use of Citations to Course Readings and Additional Research/Literature: Effectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Exceptional use of citations and extended referencing.

Writing Mechanics and APA Formatting Guidelines: Demonstrate a high level of clarity, precision, and attention to detail. APA style is correct and writing is free of grammar and spelling errors.

Assignment 6

Article Analysis: Multimodal Behavior Treatment of Nonrepetitive, Treatment-Resistant Nightmares

Case studies play a significant role in psychological and behavioral research, particularly when examining complex, treatment-resistant conditions. The study Multimodal Behavior Treatment of Nonrepetitive, Treatment-Resistant Nightmares: A Case Report provides an in-depth examination of a single female participant who experienced chronic nightmares unresponsive to prior interventions. By utilizing multiple treatment modalities and presenting detailed outcome data, the study illustrates both the strengths and limitations inherent in single-case research designs. This analysis evaluates the usefulness of Figure 1 in understanding the studys results, the effectiveness of the report without graphical data, the scientific value of single-case studies, and the role of an extensive literature review in establishing confidence in the findings.

Usefulness of Figure 1 in Understanding the Results

Figure 1 presents a visual representation of nightmare frequency across treatment phases, which is characteristic of case study methodology. This figure is highly effective in illustrating changes in the dependent variable over time and across interventions. By displaying baseline data, treatment implementation, and post-treatment outcomes, the graph allows readers to quickly identify trends, treatment effects, and variability in symptom reduction. Visual data presentation is particularly valuable in single-case designs, as it supports causal inference by demonstrating temporal relationships between interventions and outcomes (Kazdin, 2021).

In this study, Figure 1 enhances clarity by making the treatment response immediately apparent, reducing reliance on dense narrative explanations. Readers can observe the gradual and sustained reduction in nightmares, which strengthens confidence in the interventions effectiveness. Without such a figure, understanding the magnitude and consistency of change would require careful interpretation of textual descriptions, increasing the risk of misinterpretation or oversight.

Effectiveness of the Report Without the Figure

Although the study could still convey its findings without Figure 1, the overall effectiveness of the report would be diminished. Case studies rely heavily on within-subject comparisons, and visual displays are central to demonstrating functional relationships in these designs (Gast et al., 2023). Without the figure, the reader would lose an efficient means of assessing treatment impact and stability of change. Graphical data also enhance transparency, allowing readers to independently evaluate whether the reported outcomes support the authors conclusions. Therefore, while the narrative alone could communicate results, the inclusion of Figure 1 significantly strengthens the reports methodological rigor and interpretability.

Scientific Value of Single-Case Studies

Single-case studies, when rigorously designed, are valuable tools for advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in clinical and applied psychology. Although they lack statistical generalizability, they offer strong internal validity and are well suited for exploring rare conditions, individualized responses, and treatment-resistant symptoms (McLeod, 2022). In the context of nightmare disorders, which can vary widely in etiology and presentation, single-case designs allow researchers to test innovative interventions before conducting larger trials.

The present study contributes to the literature by demonstrating how a multimodal behavioral approach can be effective when standard treatments fail. Such findings can inform hypothesis generation, clinical decision-making, and the development of future randomized controlled trials. In areas such as trauma-related sleep disorders, chronic insomnia, and treatment-resistant psychiatric symptomssettings familiar in psychiatric nursing and mental health practicesingle-case studies are particularly useful for refining interventions and tailoring care to individual needs (Kraemer et al., 2023).

Role of an Extensive Literature Review

The researchers inclusion of a large number of references in the literature review enhances confidence in the studys conceptual foundation. A comprehensive review demonstrates that the intervention is grounded in existing empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks. It also reassures readers that alternative explanations and prior findings have been carefully considered. According to APA guidelines, a thorough literature review strengthens credibility and situates the study within the broader scientific discourse (American Psychological Association, 2023).

However, a smaller number of well-chosen, high-quality references could also be effective if they adequately represent the most relevant and current research. Quantity alone does not guarantee rigor; relevance and synthesis are equally important. In this case, the extensive referencing is appropriate given the complexity of nightmare treatment and the multimodal nature of the intervention, but conciseness could be achieved without compromising scholarly integrity.

Conclusion

Overall, this case study effectively demonstrates the strengths of single-case research through clear data presentation, thoughtful intervention design, and strong engagement with the literature. Figure 1 is particularly helpful in illustrating treatment outcomes and would be difficult to replace with narrative alone. While single-case studies have limitations, they remain essential for advancing knowledge in specialized and treatment-resistant conditions. The robust literature review further supports the studys credibility, making this case report a meaningful contribution to clinical and behavioral research.

References

American Psychological Association. (2023). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA Publishing.

Gast, D. L., Lloyd, B. P., & Ledford, J. R. (2023). Single-case research methodology: Applications in special education and behavioral sciences (4th ed.). Routledge.

Kazdin, A. E. (2021). Research design in clinical psychology (5th ed.). Pearson.

Kraemer, H. C., Wilson, G. T., Fairburn, C. G., & Agras, W. S. (2023). Mediators and moderators of treatment effects in clinical research. American Journal of Psychiatry, 180(4), 276284. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2022.22020123

McLeod, S. A. (2022). Case study method in psychology. Simply Psychology.

Morin, C. M., & Benca, R. (2021). Chronic insomnia. The Lancet, 379(9821), 11291141. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60750-2

Spoormaker, V. I., & Montgomery, P. (2021). Disturbed sleep in post-traumatic stress disorder. Current Psychiatry Reports, 23(5), 29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01242-5