Meta-Analysis for Single Case Research of Orienting Behavior in People with Severe and Multiple Disabilities

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K14063
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 09060:Special needs education-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Takenaga Tatsuki 東京大学, 先端科学技術研究センター, 特任研究員 (50629037)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 重度・重複障害 / メタ分析 / 時系列データ / 定位反応 / シングルケース研究

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to support communication with people with severe and multiple disabilities, it is crucial to understand their orienting responses. However, due to the minimal and unstable nature of their responses, direct observation can be challenging. This study aimed to objectively evaluate the individuality of orienting responses by utilizing meta-analysis on the time-series data of their movements. Data obtained from experimental observations conducted until the final year were analyzed, and effect sizes based on the mean values were calculated. A multilevel model was constructed, considering factors such as daily and intra-day variations, revealing cases where the level of heart rate influenced orienting responses. This study proposed a methodology that compared and examined meta-analysis approaches in single-case studies to facilitate the objective interpretation of subtle responses.

Free Research Field

特別支援教育

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

重度・重複障害児者のコミュニケーション支援には、どのような状況において彼らの定位反応が生じているかをできるだけ客観的に把握することが重要だと考えられる。そのために本研究ではシングルケース研究のためのメタ分析の手法を、彼らの動きの時系列データへ適用できることを明らかにした。これを教育実践に応用していくためには、ABAデザインに代表される介入フェーズの前後にベースラインフェーズを実験的観察の手法によって重度・重複障害児者の反応を確認していくことが必要だと考えられる。