What does "baseline" refer to in behavior assessment?

The term "baseline" in behavior assessment specifically refers to the initial level of behavior prior to any intervention. This foundational measurement is critical because it serves as a point of reference against which changes can be measured once an intervention is applied. By establishing a baseline, practitioners can determine the effectiveness of the intervention based on how the behavior changes from the baseline level.

Understanding the baseline helps in evaluating the success of behavior modification strategies as it provides a concrete starting point. Assessing behaviors at this initial phase allows for a clearer understanding of the individual's typical performance in a given context, which can inform future decisions regarding interventions. Without this baseline data, it would be challenging to assess whether the intervention had any meaningful impact on the behavior in question.