Essay

Describe the basic procedure of a multiple-baseline design across settings, using the example of measuring a child's reading behavior at school and at home. How does this design demonstrate that the treatment is responsible for any observed behavioral changes?

Question: Describe the basic procedure of a multiple-baseline design across settings, using the example of measuring a child's reading behavior at school and at home. How does this design demonstrate that the treatment is responsible for any observed behavioral changes?

Sample answer: A multiple-baseline design across settings begins by establishing baseline measurements of a behavior, such as a child's free-time reading, in two different environments like school and home. Once baselines are established, a treatment, such as positive attention, is introduced in the first setting (school) while the second setting (home) remains in the baseline phase. Later, the treatment is introduced in the second setting. If the child's reading behavior changes in each respective setting only when and where the treatment is introduced, it indicates that the treatment is responsible for the change.

Key points:

  • Establish baselines in two different environments (e.g., school and home).
  • Introduce the treatment first in one setting.
  • Introduce the treatment later in the second setting.
  • Observe if behavioral changes correspond exactly to the introduction of the treatment in each respective setting to infer causality.

Rubric: Award full credit if the student accurately recalls the initial establishment of baselines in two settings, the staggered introduction of the treatment across those settings, and the rationale that behavior must change corresponding to the exact timing of the treatment's introduction in each environment.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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