Component analysis is the analysis of two or more independent variables which comprise a treatment modality. It is also known as a dismantling study.
The chief purpose of the component analysis is to identify the component which is efficacious in changing behavior, if a singular component exists.
Eliminating ineffective or less effective components may help with improving social validity, reducing aversive elements, improving generalization and maintenance, as well as administrative efficacy.
It is also a required skill for the BCBA.
References
For definition, see Ward-Horner, John; Sturmey, Peter (2010). "Component Analyses Using Single-Subject Experimental Designs: A Review". J Appl Behav Anal. 43 (4): 685–704. doi:10.1901/jaba.2010.43-685. PMC 2998259. PMID 21541152. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2998259 ↩
Baer, Donald M.; Wolf, Montrose M.; Risley, Todd R. (1968). "Some Current Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis". J Appl Behav Anal. 1 (1): 91–97. doi:10.1901/jaba.1968.1-91. PMC 1310980. PMID 16795165. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1310980 ↩
Cooper, J. O.; Heron; Heward (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall. ISBN 978-0-13-142113-4. 978-0-13-142113-4 ↩
"Evidence-Based Behavioral-Practice" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-01-06. Retrieved 2016-07-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20170106035245/http://www.ebbp.org/course_outlines/rcts.pdf ↩
Baer, Donald M.; Wolf, Montrose M.; Risley, Todd R. (1968). "Some Current Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis". J Appl Behav Anal. 1 (1): 91–97. doi:10.1901/jaba.1968.1-91. PMC 1310980. PMID 16795165. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1310980 ↩
Behavior Analyst Task List," 2005 ↩