Core Studies - Chaney (Funhaler) Flashcards
What is the key theme in this study
External influences on children’s behaviour
What was the aim of the study
To show that the use of a novel spacer device (funhaler) can provide positive reinforcement which leads to improved medical adherence in young asmathics
What is the background (2)
Operant conditioning - all behaviour is learnt through pur environment
We learn through the consequences of behaviour
What is the method and design
Field experiment as took place in participants home
Repeated measures design as children used standard inhaler and funhaler
What are the 2 independent variables
Children use standard inhaler
Children use funhaler
What is the dependant variable
The amount of adherence to the prescribed medical regime reported by the parents on the questionnaire
What are 3 features of the sample
Random sample from 7 clinics across Australia
32 children where 22 male and 10 female
Mean age 3.2 years
Describe the procedure
Standard inhaler and funhaler were compared to ensure there were no significant differences in the output of medication
Experimenter received informed consent from the parents of the children
Parents completed a questionnaire about the standard inhaler and given a consent form
Children given a funhaler to use for 2 weeks under adult supervision
At random point between the 2 weeks the parents phoned and asked about the adherence the day before
Parents given questionnaire after 2 weeks about funhaler
What are 4 features of the funhaler
It distracted children’s attention
It had isolated incentive toys spinners and whistles separate to inhalation circuit to avoid contamination
Ensured deep breathing as toys activated when deep breath taken
Incentive toy could be replaced with different toys in future
What are 3 sets of results
59% used SI day before 81% used funhaler
3 out of 30 always successful with SI and 22 out of 30 always successful with funhaler
68% children reported pleasure when using funhaler and 10% reported pleasure for SI
Evaluate the research method
High ecological validity due to field experiment children can behave in ways they usually would as in comfort of home
Repeated measures so fair comparisons
Social desirability bias can be shows by partner which reduces validity and lack to control of extraneous variables
Evaluate types of data
Quantitative data easy to compare and simplify to conclusions
Simplifies complex human behaviour
Evaluate any ethical considerations
Overall very ethical parents consent given and tested before
Evaluate any sampling bias
Not representative of general population and maybe only parents who had compliant children took part
Evaluate ethnocentrism
All participants were form Western Australia Perth
