What is a key characteristic of baseline logic in single case designs?

Baseline logic in single case designs is fundamentally centered around establishing a comparison point before implementing an intervention. This baseline phase involves observing and collecting data on the behavior of interest before any treatment is introduced. By capturing this information, researchers create a clear reference against which they can measure any changes that occur after the introduction of the intervention.

This approach is essential for determining the effectiveness of the intervention; if changes are observed during the treatment phase, they can be attributed to the intervention rather than other extraneous factors. Establishing this baseline allows practitioners to interpret the data meaningfully and supports making informed decisions about the efficacy of the applied strategies in educational settings.

Other characteristics, such as using multiple independent variables or requiring a group of individuals, do not align with the core principle of baseline logic in single case designs, which focuses on the individual and the direct comparison of behavior before and after treatment. The notion of ignoring controlling variables is also contrary to the purpose of baseline logic, which aims to control for potential confounding variables by providing a clear measure of change attributable to the intervention.