Baseline assessment refers to the initial measurement or evaluation of a certain variable or condition before any intervention or changes are made. In the context of research, baseline assessment helps establish a starting point for comparison and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions or treatments. This type of assessment is commonly used in fields such as education, healthcare, and social sciences to determine the current status or level of a particular aspect being studied. Baseline assessment is crucial for setting goals, measuring progress, and determining the impact of any interventions over time.