ABSTRACT
This chapter provides guidelines for conducting visual analyses of graphed data. It addresses each of these visual-analysis components by defining terminology, describing how to compute each, and pointing out considerations and/or precautions. The visual analysis of graphic data, in contrast to statistical analysis of data, represents the most frequently used data-analysis strategy employed with single subject research designs. The visual-analysis approach can be used to evaluate data of individuals or small groups. When visually analyzing data, or conducting research with these classes of behavior, a shorter baseline condition is understandable and tolerated, though demonstration of experimental control will likely be weakened. Two methods are commonly used to estimate trend: freehand method and split-middle method. The freehand method entails visually inspecting the data of a condition and drawing a straight line that bisects the data points. The visual analysis of data within a condition is concerned primarily with level and trend stability of the data.
