Researchers remove, disable or replace a feature while keeping the comparison conditions as consistent as possible. The resulting performance difference can help test whether the component is useful.
Interpretation depends on the experimental design and interactions among components. Removing one part can change other behavior, so a difference is not automatically a complete explanation of why the system works.
ELI5
Think of trying a recipe both with and without one ingredient to see what it changes, while keeping the rest of the recipe the same.
For example, an agent can attempt the same tasks with and without a skill guide to test whether the guide improves its results.
Is an ablation just a before-and-after comparison?
Not necessarily. A useful ablation deliberately changes the component of interest while controlling other relevant conditions.
Does one successful run establish a component's value?
No. Repeated trials and representative tasks help distinguish a consistent effect from ordinary variation.
