ABA Exam Coach

D.8: Identify rationales for conducting comparative, component, and parametric analyses.

Free practice questions for this part of the BCBA, with an explanation for every option.

A BCBA has shown that breaks from work reduce escape-maintained aggression. She now compares 15-second, 60-second, and 3-minute breaks to find the shortest break that still keeps aggression low. What kind of analysis is this, and why is it done?
  1. A. A functional analysis, to identify the function of aggression
    Incorrect. The function (escape) has already been identified. The question is now about how much of the treatment variable is needed.
  2. B. A comparative analysis, to decide whether breaks work better than an unrelated treatment
    Incorrect. A comparative analysis pits two different interventions against each other, not different values of the same one.
  3. C. A component analysis, to identify which parts of a treatment package are necessary
    Incorrect. A component analysis takes apart a package of separate procedures. Here a single variable is being varied in amount.
  4. D. A parametric analysis, to identify the most effective or efficient value of the independent variable
    Correct. A parametric analysis systematically varies the value or magnitude of an independent variable to find which values work best and most efficiently.
A school uses a four-part treatment package (visual schedule, token economy, response cost, and daily parent notes) that has reduced a student's disruptions. Staff report the package takes too much time. What is the strongest rationale for running a component analysis?
  1. A. To find the best magnitude of the token exchange ratio
    Incorrect. Varying the value of one variable, such as the exchange ratio, is a parametric analysis.
  2. B. To find out whether the package works better than a different package used at another school
    Incorrect. Comparing this package to a different one is a comparative analysis.
  3. C. To identify which components are necessary and sufficient, so ineffective or unnecessary parts can be dropped and the package made more efficient
    Correct. A component analysis (for example, drop-out or add-in) tests what each part contributes, which helps simplify the package and lower its response effort and cost.
  4. D. To show external validity by having different teachers run the package
    Incorrect. Replicating with different implementers addresses generality. It does not tell you which components are doing the work.
A clinic director asks a BCBA to find out whether discrete-trial teaching or naturalistic incidental teaching leads to faster mand acquisition for its preschool learners, so the clinic can adopt one approach. Which type of analysis is this?
  1. A. Comparative analysis
    Correct. A comparative analysis compares two or more distinct interventions to find out which is more effective or efficient, which is what the director wants.
  2. B. Component analysis
    A component analysis breaks down one treatment package to see which of its parts are responsible for the effect. Here, two separate treatments are being compared.
  3. C. Parametric analysis
    A parametric analysis varies the value of one independent variable (such as its amount or frequency). It does not compare different teaching methods.
  4. D. Functional analysis
    A functional analysis tests which consequences maintain a behavior. It is not used to choose between teaching approaches.

Take the free diagnostic