Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

Which method could be used to identify the most effective components of Carlos's toothbrushing program?

1. Comparative effectiveness research

2. Component analysis

3. Single-subject design

4. Cohort study

The correct answer is: Component analysis

The method that could be used to identify the most effective components of Carlos's toothbrushing program is component analysis. This approach involves systematically evaluating and manipulating each element of an intervention to ascertain which specific parts contribute most significantly to the desired outcome. In the context of Carlos's toothbrushing program, component analysis would allow for the isolation of individual procedures or strategies used in the program. By implementing changes to one component at a time while keeping others constant, one can observe changes in behaviors and outcomes, thereby determining which elements are truly effective. Using component analysis ensures that the data collected is directly tied to the functionality of each component and allows for a tailored intervention focused on optimizing results. This type of analysis is particularly valuable in settings such as behavior analysis, where interventions can be multi-faceted, and understanding the links between specific components and behavior changes is crucial for effective practice.