What characterizes a multiple baseline study?

A multiple baseline study is characterized by the introduction of an intervention at different times or settings across multiple subjects or conditions. This approach provides a robust way to demonstrate the effect of the intervention while controlling for external variables. By staggering the introduction of the intervention, researchers can observe changes in behavior and demonstrate causation more clearly, as changes are expected to occur only after the intervention is implemented.

This design is particularly useful when it's not ethical or practical to withdraw an intervention once it's been applied, as it allows for ongoing evaluation and understanding of the intervention's impact over time. It highlights the variability and individual differences in response to the intervention, which adds depth to the analysis of its effectiveness across different contexts or individuals.