A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which benefit of the study by Chaney et al (2004) relates to its ecological validity?

1. Laboratory experiment conditions

2. Field experiment allowing for real-world applications

3. Use of hypothetical scenarios

4. Manipulation of participant behavior

The correct answer is: Field experiment allowing for real-world applications

The benefit of the study by Chaney et al. (2004) that relates to its ecological validity is indeed grounded in the fact that it was conducted as a field experiment. This approach allows for real-world applications, meaning that the findings are more reflective of actual behaviors and experiences than those gathered from a controlled laboratory setting. Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized to real-life settings. In this study, participants engaged with the use of an inhaler in their everyday environment, which enhances the realism of the findings. By observing behaviors in a naturalistic context, the researchers were able to capture genuine responses and interactions, providing more reliable data on how the use of a funhaler could affect adherence to medication among children with asthma. This stands in contrast to laboratory experiments, where conditions can be artificial and may not accurately represent participants' behaviors in their usual environments. While hypothetical scenarios and manipulation of participant behavior can be beneficial for other aspects of research, they do not directly enhance ecological validity in the same way that a field experiment can. By observing behavior in a real-world context, the study gains a level of applicability and relevance that is crucial in psychological research.