Assignment Overview

This in-class activity (ICA) is the final one that you will turn in for credit. It is designed to give
students a better understanding of the process of theory development and how theory informs
practice. You will receive full credit for this activity if turned in in its entirety. If you do not turn
it in, do not turn it in on time, or turn it in incomplete, then you will receive a score of 0. I will
provide general feedback on your responses and upload them to Moodle. I will not be providing
feedback on the quality of your writing.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this activity, you will (1) understand the process of theory development; (2)
understand how specific theories inform practice; and (3) value the importance of theories in
occupational therapy.
ACOTE Standards
Explain the process of theory development and its importance to occupational therapy. B.2.2.
Instructions
Respond to the following prompts:
1) What is theory and what does theory help us do? (Cole & Tufano Chapter 4)

Theory is scientific based, it understands, describes, and foresees causal relationships (Cole &

Tufano, 2020). Theory starts with a hypothesis that includes collecting data systematically and

may be tested. Theory assists in defining the distinctive qualities of a profession, such as its

scope or realm of practice, and creates a shared professional identity based on philosophies,

values, and worldviews.

 2) Briefly describe the process of theory development. (PDF) Developing a Theory in
Academic Research: A Review of Experts’ Advice (researchgate.net)

Demonstration of Relationship among Variables- relationships with concepts, conceptual

connections.

Clear Definition of Concepts- define in terms of who and what when and where it applies

to explain how and why conceptual definitions relate to measurements,

and to indicate what should, could, and would occur.

3) Pick one occupation-based model (Cole & Tufano Chapters 5-10) and briefly describe:
a. Its theoretical base and underlying assumptions.

The model of human occupation (MOHO): underlying assumptions are that it is occupation

occupation-based, a conceptual practice, through therapy people are helped through engagement

in occupational activities that restore, maintain, and develop capacities. The theoretical base

includes process of engagement in occupation, persons are innately motivated, environments are

a constant influence, persons differ in levels of motivation, concern with how people participate

in daily occupations (Cole & Tufano, 2020).

b. Evaluation guidelines (i.e., how it informs evaluation processes).

The evaluation process includes assess, plan interventions, implement planning, and evaluate
therapeutic outcomes. Takes in to account the inherent value of the client perspective, inclusion
of theory-driven principles (Cole & Tufano, 2020).

c. Intervention guidelines (i.e., how it informs intervention processes).

Intervention includes a thoughtful and collaborative process between therapist and client. The 9
guidelines MOHO follows are: validating, identifying, giving feedback, advising, negotiating,
structuring, coaching, encouraging, and providing physical support (Cole & Tufano, 2020).

4) Based on the occupation-based model you chose, briefly describe one challenge/barrier with
integrating it into practice.
This model can be integrated in a variety of settings due to it being readily available for public

access. I think a challenge that that invites is knowledge difficulties with the complexity of

MOHO concepts and tools, client barriers, and logistic barrier. Understanding the skills to use

MOHO, MOHO might be difficult for clients to understand are a few examples of the challenges

in integrating MOHO into practice settings.

 Reference

Cole, M. B., & Tufano, R. (2020). Applied theories in occupational therapy: A practical approach

(2nd ed.). SLACK.