n. a state of behavior which is steady in form and frequency. As a constant, it serves as a standard against which to compare the results when a new, independent variable is introduced. If a child throws tantrums as frequently aas 6-8 times a week, then this frequency serves as a basis in assessing how effective a treatment will be. Also called behavior baseline.
BEHAVIORAL BASELINE: "Knowing the behavioral baseline of a patient beforehand is an important part of the pre-experimental or pretherapeutic phase."
Cite this page: N., Pam M.S., "BEHAVIORAL BASELINE," in PsychologyDictionary.org, April 7, 2013, https://psychologydictionary.org/behavioral-baseline/ (accessed March 3, 2020).
