Chaney et al. (2004) - Funhaler study

What is the aim?

To test if the use of positive reinforcement via the Funhaler could improve medical compliance in young asthamtics compared to using a conventional inhaler

What is the IV?

The device used (Funhaler/standard inhaler)

What is the DV?

How well participant's complied (self-report via parents)

What was the experimental design?

Repeated measures

What is the experiment type?

Field experiment

What was the procedure?

The study was carried out for a two-week period, parents gave informed consent and answered a questionnaire on usual inhaler, they were then instructed to use the Funhaler for 2 weeks and complete a matched questionnaire

What were the results?

(Both quantitative + qualitative)

• 50% of children used the standard inhaler for 4 or more cycles

• 80% of children used the Funhaler for 4 or more cycles

Who were the participants?

• random sampling

• 32 children

• age range 1.5-6

• 10 female, 22 male

• average time with astha 2.2 years

What conclusions can be made?

• Use of Funhaler led to increased use and accuracy

• Parents less likely to respond to traditional device when Funhaler was used

• Use of Funhaler can be used to improve clinical outcomes for children