Deutsch: Basislinie / Español: Línea Base / Português: Linha de Base / Français: Ligne de Base / Italiano: Linea di Base /
Baseline refers to a measured rate of a Behavior before introduction of an Intervention that allows comparison and Assessment of the effects of the intervention.
So the baseline is the period in which a participant is observed prior to being given treatment, the purpose being to document the frequency of the target behavior.
Description
In psychology, a baseline refers to the initial measurement or observation taken before any interventions are introduced. It serves as a point of reference for comparison during an experiment or treatment. Baselines are used to establish a starting point for assessing changes or progress over time. They provide a standard against which future data can be evaluated. Baselines are crucial for researchers and clinicians to track developments and determine the effectiveness of their interventions. Without a baseline, it would be challenging to measure the impact of any psychological intervention accurately.
Application Areas
- Clinical psychology
- Behavioral therapy
- Psychological assessments
- Research studies
- Educational psychology
Treatment and Risks
- Using a baseline helps in developing appropriate treatment plans for individuals.
- However, not establishing an accurate baseline may result in incorrect conclusions about the effectiveness of interventions.
Examples
- Measuring anxiety levels before and after a therapy session to determine its efficacy.
- Recording the frequency of certain behaviors in a child with ADHD before implementing a behavior management plan.
- Assessing memory performance in older adults before and after a memory training program.
Similar Concepts and Synonyms
- Reference point
- Pre-intervention measurement
- Control condition
- Baseline assessment
Weblinks
- environment-database.eu: 'Baseline' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu
Summary
A baseline in psychology provides a crucial starting point for measuring change or progress in various psychological contexts. It is a fundamental concept used in research, clinical practice, and therapeutic interventions to establish a reference point for comparison. Without a baseline, it would be challenging to determine the effectiveness of treatments or interventions accurately. By establishing a baseline measurement, psychologists can track developments over time and make informed decisions about the best course of action for their clients or research subjects.
--