A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What reinforcement strategy did Chaney et al (2004) propose using for the new inhaler device?

1. Negative reinforcement

2. Positive reinforcement

3. Social reinforcement

4. Punishment

The correct answer is: Positive reinforcement

The correct answer emphasizes the use of positive reinforcement as proposed by Chaney et al. (2004) in the context of their study on the Funhaler, a device designed to encourage children with asthma to use their inhalers. Positive reinforcement is a strategy where desirable behavior is encouraged by providing a rewarding stimulus after the desired behavior is exhibited. In this case, the Funhaler incorporated elements like a whistle and a spinner that provided auditory and visual feedback when children used their inhalers correctly. This playful approach was intended to make the experience enjoyable and rewarding, thereby increasing the likelihood that children would adhere to their asthma medication regimen. Chaney et al. found that the Funhaler led to higher levels of medication adherence compared to traditional inhalers, demonstrating the effectiveness of positive reinforcement in promoting health-related behaviors in pediatric patients. The other strategies would not effectively encourage the desired behavior in this context. Negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus when the desired behavior occurs, which does not align with the enjoyment factor necessary for children's engagement. Social reinforcement pertains to the influence of social interactions and approval from peers or caregivers, which was not the primary focus of the Funhaler study. Punishment, which entails applying an unpleasant consequence following an undesirable behavior,