Question 1

Technical rationality is the basis of the scholarship of practice, where practical activity is derived seamlessly from basic knowledge.

Accepted Answer

Technical rationality suggests that practical activity is derived from theoretical knowledge, but the scholarship of practice emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, recognizing the complexities and contextual factors involved in practical situations.

Question 2

When conducting research investigating a concept derived from theory, that concept should be operationalized in the absence of the theory to promote validity of the study design.

Accepted Answer

Operationalizing a concept means defining it in measurable terms, which is crucial for research validity, but it should be done in the context of the theory it is derived from to ensure the operational definition aligns with the theoretical framework and accurately reflects the concept being investigated.

Question 3

Research should be grounded in theory, which in turn may generate outcomes that require the theory to be modified to adapt how it describes a phenomenon.

Accepted Answer

Research grounded in theory allows for the testing of theoretical concepts against empirical observations. When outcomes do not align with theoretical predictions, it may indicate that the theory needs to be modified to better describe or explain the phenomenon under study. This iterative process between theory and research is fundamental to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Question 4

In occupational therapy, an activity that is not informed by a theory or theoretical concept is not likely to be therapeutic.

Accepted Answer

Activities in occupational therapy are designed based on theoretical concepts to ensure they are therapeutic, addressing specific client needs and goals. Without grounding in theory, the effectiveness of the activity for therapeutic purposes may be compromised.

Question 5

Although important for grounding occupational therapy applied science studies, theory has minimal direct applications for educational, technical, scientific, or interdisciplinary purposes.

Accepted Answer

Theory in occupational therapy not only grounds the applied science studies but also has significant direct applications for educational, technical, scientific, or interdisciplinary purposes, guiding practice, research, and the development of new knowledge.

Question 6

Occupational therapy literature describes the theory-practice gap that exists within the profession. Which of the following statements is correct in its description of the theory-practice gap?

Accepted Answer

The theory-practice gap refers to the discrepancy between the theoretical frameworks that guide the profession and the actual practices implemented by clinicians. This gap highlights the challenges in applying research-based theories directly to practical settings.

Question 7

Scholarship of practice is a theoretical perspective for knowledge generation in occupational therapy. Which of the following statements is not an accurate description of the scholarship of practice?

Accepted Answer

The scholarship of practice is not exclusive to participatory research. It encompasses a broader approach to knowledge generation that includes, but is not limited to, participatory research methods. It involves integrating theory and practice in various ways, not just through service delivery.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is false regarding theory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements is false...

Question 9

There are many benefits from grounding a study in a specific theoretical model. Which of the following would not be an outcome of a researcher using a theory for a research study?

Accepted Answer

The risk of bias is not necessarily reduced by the application of a theory. Bias reduction depends on the research design, methodology, and how the study is conducted rather than the theoretical framework itself. Theoretical frameworks guide the research focus and interpretation but do not inherently mitigate bias.

Question 10

Researchers must exercise good judgment when choosing a theory to ground a research study. Which of the following would not be a consideration when choosing a theory?

Accepted Answer

Methodology is not a consideration when choosing a theory; it refers to the methods used to conduct research, not the theoretical framework itself.

Question 11

Through the process of developing a theory-grounded research study, an investigator is deciding which assessment would be the best to collect data. Which of the following choices would be the best option?

Accepted Answer

An established assessment within the theoretical model of the research study ensures that the data collected is directly relevant and aligned with the theoretical framework guiding the research. This alignment enhances the validity of the findings in relation to the theory being tested or explored.

Question 12

Which of the following would be an instance when a researcher would not ground research in a theoretical model?

Accepted Answer

Developing a new theoretical model for a new population of interest might not require grounding in an existing theoretical model, as the goal is to create a new framework that better suits the unique characteristics of the new population.

Quiz 8: The Role of Theory in Occupational Therapy