Special issue on single-case research in sport psychology

The seminal work of Kazdin (1982) and Barlow and Hersen (1984) into single-case research has prompted many repeated calls for sport psychologists to adopt these methods into their research and practice (e.g., Bryan, 1987; Hrycaiko & Martin, 1996; Smith, 1988; Williams, Hardy, & Mutrie, 2008). These calls seem appropriate on at least three levels. First, demonstrating consultancy effectiveness and accountability are key components of accreditation programmes (e.g., Association of Applied Sport Psychology; British Psychological Society), along with professional practice, and applied research (Andersen, Miles, Mahoney, & Robinson, 2002; Smith, 1989). Second, single-case designs (SCDs) permit researchers working in applied settings and with small samples, procedures with which to determine the mechanisms related to intervention effectiveness and efficacy (Seligman, 1995). Finally, other branches of psychology (e.g., psychiatry, counselling, and education) embraced single case research methods many years ago and now see them as integrative to applied research (cf. Morgan & Morgan, 2009).