Abstract
Normative comparisons are a useful but stringent procedure for evaluating the value of therapeutic interventions. This procedure, consisting of comparing the behavior of treated subjects to that of nondisturbed subjects, is described, and its application to various commonly-used therapy outcome measures is discussed. Examples of the use of normative comparisons from the therapy outcome literature are provided. Statistical problems are considered, and suggested solutions to various potential pitfalls in normative comparisons are described. The need to provide evidence of treatment effectiveness convincing to lay skepticism, wherever possible, is underscored.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 147-158 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Behavioral Assessment |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - Dec 1 1988 |