Comment: Integrating methodologies in the scientific study of interpersonal psychotherapy: A reaction to "Therapist immediacy in brief psychotherapy: Case study I and case study II".

In this reaction article, the author concentrates on selected methodological components characterizing both Kasper, Hill, and Kivlighan's (see record 2008-13167-001) and Hill, Sim, Spangler, Stahl, Sullivan, and Teyber's (see record 2008-13167-002) respective case studies of therapist immediacy in brief psychotherapy. In tandem, the foci and methodology of these investigations break new ground in the scientific study of interpersonal psychotherapy, and more generally they serve as paradigmatic illustrations of the form that psychotherapy research can take if it is to be truly more meaningful and useful for practitioners. Emphasis is placed on the investigators' integration of single-case research, elements of change process research, and quantitative and qualitative methods in a way that enables highly intensive examination of this core intervention in interpersonal psychotherapy. Specific elements and implications of each of these methodological components are briefly discussed, which also creates a context for addressing the issue of discovery versus verification as this pertains to the present studies. Some underlying philosophical considerations are also briefly touched on along the way. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).