THE CASE FOR LISTING RAW DATA IN JOURNAL ARTICLES DESCRIBING SINGLE-CASE INTERVENTIONS: HOW LONG MUST WE WAIT?

In this presentation, we propose reasons why raw data should be listed for journal articles that report findings from interventions that use single-case research methods. Then we illustrate how to list raw data using an efficient coding system that is mindful of cost and space limitations characteristic of professional journals printed in traditional hard-copy format. Given the emergence of the digital age, we also provide options for listing raw data electronically. Finally, we propose that the benefits of listing raw data should (a) alleviate long-standing limitations, such as lack of transparency and limited access to raw data, which are apparent in most single-case intervention studies, (b) replace traditional means for obtaining raw data from authors of such published studies, and (c) outweigh reasons for continuing the practice of not listing raw data in, with, or for such articles. We believe that the change we proposed is simple, beneficial, and inevitable. This change, however, requires leadership of editors and collaboration of publishers. This change also could help to operationalize a standard for reporting data that is much more consistent with professionalism, as well as scientific values, such as precision, transparency, verification, and replication, when compared to the past and current state of the practice for making raw data available. In proposing this change to the field, we address why we should and how we can list raw data for journal articles that describe single-case interventions. Weaknesses inherent in the particular coding system we propose as one example of how to list raw data, directly within traditional print-format journals, should not justify continuing our habit of failing to provide easily accessible raw data. Indeed, with ever expanding use of websites, electronic databases, and electronic journals, we have the capacity to make raw data much more accessible, retrievable, transferable, and downloadable, digitally, in ways that can be applied to both traditional print and electronically formatted journals. For example, publishers could provide a link at the end of each intervention article. The link would reveal the raw data set. The data link should be accessible to individuals, even those who do not subscribe to the particular journal, as a matter of transparency and sound scientific practice. As time passes, we also should ensure that we preserve or update websites where raw data sets are stored. Doing so would help us avoid the digital equivalent of "I cannot find that old data; it used to be in my (metal cabinet) file" - an all-too-common happening as we documented previously in this article. Now the questions become: When will we provide efficient access to raw data? Which editors, journals, or organizations will lead the way in accomplishing this change? How long must we wait?