There should be some logical or rational link between the outcome measures and the description of goals. In addition, Outcomes are the most reliable and valid when tied to objective data collection techniques. There are at least 5 reasons for recording accurate data during baseline assessment and throughout an assessment program. An accurate behavioral assessment provides a description of the problem that will help the analyst decide whether or not he or she should design an intervention. After taking baseline, it may be discovered that no intervention is necessary.
Casual observation can lead to poor conclusions.
For example, if initial baseline assessment data are collected using a scatter plot, you can identify the times of day when students use the tutoring service. Accurate baseline data provide a means to clearly determine whether the program has produced, or is producing, the desired change in behavior. This helps to decide whether to continue or terminate an intervention. Slow behavior change is still a positive thing. If the goal is to increase the number of students using a service, an increase to 130 from 120 could be a significant change.