Chaney Flashcards
What was the aim of Chaney’s study?
To test whether use of positive reinforcement via the funhaler could improve medical compliance in young asthmatics, compared to use of conventional asthma inhaler with no additional features.
What is meant by operant conditioning?
A form of associative learning, whereby we learn by the consequences of our actions. We form new associations and connections between certain stimuli and responses.
What was the research method in Chaney’s study?
Field experiment
What was the IV and the DV in Chaney’s study?
IV- was the device used to administer the asthma drugs
DV- How well ps complied with their prescribed medical regime, measured through parental responses to a self-report questionairre.
What were the two inhalers compared?
Standard small-volume spacer devices, including the ‘Breath-a-Tech’ and ‘AeroChamber’, with a novel device known as a ‘funhaler’
What was the sample used in Chaney’s study?
32 children: 22 male and 10 female. The age range was 1.5-6 years, with a mean age of 3.2 years and average duration of asthma of 2.2 years.
How was the sample obtained in Chaney’s study?
A random sample of asthmatic children who had been prescribed drugs delivered by pMDI and spacer and were recruited from clinics across a large georgraphical area.
Why was the funahler made?
Designed to distract children from the drug delivery event itself and to encourage and reward deep breathing patterns required for effective delivery of medication.
Why was the funahler a form of operant conditioning?
Known as ‘self-reinforcement’, as correct use of the device rewarded the user, requiring no external encouragement from a parent or doctor
What was the basic procedure for Chaney’s study?
The study was undertaken in the parents home over a two week period. At teh start teh parents completed a closed question questionnaire about their current asthma device. this included questions on both the parent and child’s current attitudes towards the medication and complaisance levels. they then used the funhaler for 2 weeks and completed the same questionnaire at the end of the 2 weeks. researchers also conducted one random check via telephone, checking on participant usage of the funhaler on the previous day.
What were some examples of incentive toys on the funahler?
Spinning disc and a whistle
What was the percentage for taking the inhaler on the previous day with the funhaler and normal spacer?
Normal-59%
Funhaler-81%
What was the percentage report of pleasure for the child when using the normal inhaler and the funahler?
Normal-10%
Funhaler-68%
What was the percentage report of being completely happy for the parent when using the normal inhaler and funhaler?
Normal-10%
Funhaler-61%
What were some conclusions given in Chaney’s study?
Conclude that the funahler and its use of positive reinforcement techniques improved levels of epically compliance in young asthmatics. Specifically they argue:
1.The use of the funahler could possibly improve clinical outcomes, such as lowering rates of admissions to hospital for asthma attacks.
2. Devices that use self-reinforcement strategies can improve the verbal health of children.
