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Scientific inquiry is now generally accepted as important to the continued growth of occupational therapy. With such acceptance, attention has turned to questions regarding the proper focus of scientific inquiry. At present, the dominant focus seems to be theory development (American Occupational Therapy Foundation, 1983; Fleming, Johnson, Marina, Spergel, & Townsend, 1987; Ltorens & Gillette, 1985; Miller, 1988; Yerxa, 1987). Theory development is indeed an essential component of the occupational therapy process; whether it should be the primary focus of scientific inquiry is questionable.
Many authors who have proposed a focus on theory development recognize that no theory can be directly applied (Fleming et al., 1987; Uorens & Gillette, 1985; Yerxa, 1981). As these authors have indicated, theory must first be transformed through a linking structure into usable information. This information, in turn, provides guidelines for dealing with practical problems. The authors mentioned above refer to a linking structure by various names: paradigm (Fleming et al.), model of practice (Llorens & Gillette), and prescribed theory (Yerxa, 1981). Although there is a need for a linking structure and for the information subsequently formulated, these elements are not seen by the above-mentioned authors as the primary focus of scientific inquiry in occupational therapy.
I propose that the primary focus of scientific inquiry be on the structure that links theory to practice in occupational therapy - that is, the development, refinement, and evaluation of the effectiveness of frames of reference. I will discuss this proposal through (a) description of the relationship between theory, frame of reference, and scientific inquiry and (b) the premises upon which the proposal is based.
Theory, Frames of Reference, and Scientific Inquiry
Occupational therapy is a science-based profession; it is an occupational group that provides specified services to society through application of the most valid theories currently available (Larson, 1977). Science-based professions are supported by society to address those problems with which members of society believe they cannot cope, either individually or collectively. The task of a profession then is to study a problem, select a theory or theories likely to serve as a foundation for action, and then to use that foundation to resolve or manage the problem (Snelbecker, 1974).
The difficulty, as noted, is that theory cannot be directly applied. A theory...