What is “strong” and “modest” research support?
Research support for a given treatment is labeled “strong” if criteria are met for what Chambless et al. (1998) termed “well-established” treatments. To meet this standard, well-designed studies conducted by independent investigators must converge to support a treatment’s efficacy. Research support is labeled “modest” if criteria are met for what Chambless et al. (1998) termed “probably efficacious treatments.” To meet this standard, one well-designed study or two or more adequately designed studies must support a treatment’s efficacy. In addition, it is possible for the “strong and “modest” thresholds to be met through a series of carefully controlled single-case studies. For a full description of the Chambless criteria readers are referred to Chambless et al. (1998). In addition, this site labels research support “controversial” if studies of a given treatment yield conflicting results or if a treatment is efficacious but claims about why the treatment works are at odds with the rese
