multiple baseline design
A single-subject research methodology that demonstrates experimental control by introducing interventions across different behaviors, settings, or participants at staggered time points.
Full Definition
Multiple baseline design is a research methodology commonly used in behavioral science to evaluate intervention effectiveness without requiring withdrawal of treatment. This design involves collecting baseline data across multiple targets (behaviors, settings, or participants) and then introducing the intervention to each target at different time points while continuing to monitor all targets. The staggered implementation allows researchers to demonstrate that changes occur only when and where the intervention is applied, providing evidence of experimental control. Multiple baseline designs are particularly valuable when withdrawal of effective treatment would be unethical or impractical, making them especially useful in clinical and educational settings.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the dimension (across behaviors, settings, or participants) when describing the specific design variant.
In Context
- "The multiple baseline design across participants demonstrated clear experimental control for the social skills intervention." — single-subject research study
- "A multiple baseline design was selected because withdrawal of the academic intervention would not be ethical." — research methodology justification