Which method often begins with baseline measurements before applying treatment?

Single-case design is a research methodology often used in psychological and behavioral studies to assess the effects of an intervention on an individual. This approach typically begins with baseline measurements, which are taken to gather data on the individual's behavior or symptoms before the intervention is applied. Establishing a baseline is crucial as it provides a point of comparison to determine whether changes in behavior occur following the treatment.

By maintaining focus on a single participant, this design allows for a more detailed and controlled examination of how a specific intervention affects that individual's condition. After baseline measurements are collected, the treatment is introduced, and further measurements are taken to assess its impact, thus allowing researchers to make direct observations regarding the effectiveness of the treatment.

Other methodologies listed, such as qualitative analysis and experimental design, do not necessarily emphasize baseline settings in the same way, focusing either on broader themes or group comparisons without the same level of individual analytical depth. Community surveys typically gather data from larger populations without the individual-focused treatment assessment seen in single-case designs.