Component analysis (statistics)

Not to be confused with principal component analysis.

Component analysis is the analysis of two or more independent variables which comprise a treatment modality.<ref>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.</ref><ref name="Baer et al">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.</ref><ref>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.</ref> It is also known as a dismantling study.<ref>"Evidence-Based Behavioral-Practice" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-01-06. Retrieved 2016-07-29.</ref>

The chief purpose of the component analysis is to identify the component which is efficacious in changing behavior, if a singular component exists.<ref name="Baer et al" />

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.<ref>Behavior Analyst Task List," 2005</ref>