Overview
This tutorial explains how to create a multiple baseline design graph in Excel, including formatting, labeling, and grouping elements for export to Word.
Preparing the Data
- Enter baseline and intervention data for each subject in separate columns.
- Offset intervention data downward so baseline and intervention do not overlap for each subject.
Creating Individual Graphs
- Highlight the first subject’s data to create a line graph with markers.
- Remove the legend and ensure both lines (baseline and intervention) are the same color (preferably black for printing).
- Format both the line and marker fill to black for clarity.
- Remove background gridlines for a less cluttered appearance.
Adding Labels
- Click outside the graph to enable the "Insert Text Box" option.
- Add and format text boxes labeled "Baseline" and "Intervention"; position and align them above the appropriate sections.
- Copy and adjust text boxes as needed for all datasets.
Creating and Formatting Phase Change Lines
- Use the "Insert Shape" tool to draw vertical phase change lines between baseline and intervention.
- Hold Shift while drawing for straight, perpendicular lines.
- Format the phase change lines to be black, dotted, and appropriately weighted (e.g., half-point thickness).
- Copy and reposition phase change lines for each graph section.
- Add a horizontal connector line between the graphs and ensure it is perfectly horizontal (height = 0).
- Adjust line lengths so the vertical lines extend above the first intervention marker.
Finalizing and Grouping the Graph
- Repeat the process for each subject to create three aligned graphs.
- Select all graphs, text boxes, and lines by holding Shift and clicking each element.
- Right-click and choose "Group" to combine all elements into a single object.
Exporting to Word
- Click outside the grouped graph and then select the entire group for copying.
- Paste into Word; everything moves together as one object.
- Resize the grouped graph as needed; if text is cut off or not resizing, re-select and adjust the text box font size within Word.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Multiple Baseline Design — A graphing method displaying baseline and intervention phases for multiple subjects together.
- Phase Change Line — A vertical or horizontal line indicating transition from one experimental phase to another (e.g., baseline to intervention).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice by creating a sample multiple baseline graph in Excel following these steps.
- Export the finished graph to Word and adjust text box sizes if necessary.