Chaney Flashcards
what is the aim of the study?
to show the use of a novel asthma device which incorporates incentive toys can provide positive reinforcement which leads to improved adherence in young asthmatics
what is operant conditioning
form of associative learning where connections are formed between stimuli and responses that didnt exist before learning occurs
what is the law of effect (thorndike)
any response that led to desirable consequences is more likely to be repeated
what are the independant variables
whether the child used a standard asthma device or if they used a fun inhaler
what is the dependant variable
the amount of adherence to the prescribed drug
what method was used
field experiment
what design was used
repeated measures design
what sampling technique was used
random
what is the sample
32 children from perth australia
age range 1.5 years - 6 years
average duration of asthma 2.2 years
how was the data collected
matched questionares before and after use
random phone interviews
data from self report related to how easy each device was to use and compliance
how was the funinhaler made appealing
whistle and spinner toy in seprate tube
the design anticipates for potential boredom and toys can be changed
what are the controls
same questions used for each parent and before and after use
same order of inhaler use
all had asthma for 2.2 years
what were the ethical considerations/ issues
protection from harm- medicine delivery was not affected by toys in the funinhaler
consent - childrens parents provided informed consent
what are some of the findings
- 81% of children using the funhaler were found to have been medicated the previous day compared with 59% with the spacer device
- 30%more children took the recomended 4 cycles or more with the funhaler to the standard device
what are the conclusions
improved adherence combined with satisfactory delivery characteristics suggests that the funhaler may be useful for management of young asthmatics
