What is the purpose of baseline data in program evaluation?

Baseline data serves as a foundational reference point that establishes the initial conditions or characteristics related to a specific program before any interventions are implemented. This starting point is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of a program, as it allows stakeholders to measure how much change has occurred over time after the program is put into action.

By collecting baseline data, evaluators can assess the impact of the program by comparing outcomes or changes against this reference point. This comparison is essential in determining whether the program has achieved its goals and how significant any observed changes are. Without such a baseline, it would be challenging to attribute any improvements directly to the program, as there would be no prior data against which to assess changes.

In contrast, measuring stakeholder satisfaction, comparing results with another program, and determining financial costs, while important aspects of program evaluation, do not capture the core purpose of establishing a baseline. These elements contribute to a fuller understanding of the program’s effectiveness but do not serve the foundational role of baseline data in tracking progress from a defined starting point.