Purpose : The present study aimed to evaluate the methodological quality and evidence-based practice (EBP) status of single-subject design (SSD) studies on motivating operations (MOs) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). existing research varies in design quality, target behaviors, and reporting standards. This study sought to identify common characteristics, assess quality indicators, and derive implications for effective, evidence-based interventions.
Methods : A total of 13 domestic and international SSD studies on MOs with ASD participants were reviewed. The Horner et al. (2005) quality indicators and the three-point rating scale refined by Jitendra et al. (2011) were applied. Each study was rated on 21 quality indicators across categories such as participant description, dependent and independent variables, baseline conditions, experimental control, and social validity.
Results : Overall, most studies met the majority of quality indicators, particularly in participant description, setting, measurement reliability, and independent variable implementation. However, lower fulfillment rates were observed for participant selection criteria, measurement validity, treatment fidelity, practical application of the independent variable, and detailed reporting of social validity. These gaps suggest variability in methodological rigor and the need for clearer reporting of procedures and contextual factors.
Conclusion : SSD research on MOs for children with ASD generally demonstrates strong adherence to fundamental quality standards, supporting their potential as effective interventions for communication and social behaviors. Nevertheless, improvement is needed in reporting fidelity, practical applicability, and generalization outcomes. Future research should diversify participant demographics, analyze the effects of specific MO types, and employ multi-method assessments to strengthen the evidence base and applicability of MO-based interventions.