What is a baseline in ABA data analysis?

• A. Initial data collected before intervention to compare against progress.
• B. The most recent data point in a series.
• C. A predicted value for future data.
• D. A summary statistic of central tendency.

Answer: (A)

Baseline in ABA data analysis refers to the initial set of observations collected before any intervention is implemented. This establishes the starting level, trend, and variability of the target behavior so you can compare future data and determine whether the treatment produces a change. Baseline data are gathered across multiple sessions to capture a stable pattern, ensuring decisions aren’t based on a single point. It’s not about the most recent data point, a predicted value, or a single summary statistic; it’s the actual pre-intervention measurements used as a reference when evaluating progress after implementing the treatment.