Component analysis (statistics) explained

Component analysis (statistics) should not be confused with principal component analysis.

Component analysis is the analysis of two or more independent variables which comprise a treatment modality.^{[1] [2] [3]} It is also known as a dismantling study.^[4]

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.^[5]

Notes and References

1. For definition, see Ward-Horner . John . Peter . Sturmey . 2010 . Component Analyses Using Single-Subject Experimental Designs: A Review . . 43 . 4 . 685–704 . 10.1901/jaba.2010.43-685 . 2998259 . 21541152.
2. Baer . Donald M. . Montrose M. . Wolf . Todd R. . Risley . 1968 . Some Current Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis . . 1 . 1 . 91–97 . 10.1901/jaba.1968.1-91 . 16795165 . 1310980.
3. Book: Cooper, J. O. . Heron . Heward . 2007 . Applied Behavior Analysis . Upper Saddle River, NJ . Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall . 2nd . 978-0-13-142113-4 .
4. Web site: Evidence-Based Behavioral-Practice . 2016-07-29 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170106035245/http://www.ebbp.org/course_outlines/rcts.pdf . 2017-01-06 . dead .
5. Behavior Analyst Task List," 2005