| Abstract: | Examination of the scientific basis of both control group designs and comparative designs (CDs) in outcome research reveals that CDs generally have fewer threats to validity and provide a more efficient means of control for nonspecific treatment factors. Added to the ethical and practical advantages of CDs, these scientific advantages indicate that CD studies warrant a larger role in the study of psychotherapy, particularly in evaluative research. Research strategies utilizing CDs are described, and some implications of the use of comparative methodology for the researcher–practitioner split in clinical psychology are discussed. (43 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
