What is a baseline measure?

A baseline measure represents data that is collected before the implementation of a program. This initial data serves an essential purpose in the evaluation process, as it provides a point of reference against which future outcomes can be assessed. By having these pre-implementation data points, evaluators can better understand the impact of the program by comparing them to data collected after the program has been in place.

Having baseline measures allows for a clear indication of what changes occurred as a result of the program, as any observed differences in the outcomes can be attributed to the program's influence, given that the baseline data reflects the conditions prior to any interventions. This is particularly important for establishing causality and measuring effectiveness, as it helps to account for any changes that would have occurred naturally over time without the program.

In contrast, other options do not accurately describe a baseline measure; they either refer to data collected at different times or for different purposes within the evaluation framework.