Why Research? Tales of the Unexpected

1991 Sylvia Docker Lecture Communicating A Professional Image

“…I sincerely hope that, now the profession has turned 50, a decision can be taken to given our Journal a permanent home with a paid editor. The Journal currently has a very respectable image; in the words of Margaret Smith (1989), it is "one of very high quality" (p. 11). But, as she too advised, its status as a treasured possession could be further enhanced by making some long overdue decisions about its future.…”

Collaborative research between clinicians and academics: Necessary conditions, advantages and potential difficulties

“…Moersch also believed that occupational therapists need to generate research ideas, conduct research, collaborate with other researchers, publish information that validates occupational therapy services and develop research bases for philosophy, methodology, ethics and public policy. These ideas have been echoed by other writers (Christiansen, 1983(Christiansen, , 1986Dunn, 1985;Grady, 1987;Ottenbacher, 1987;Pranger & Brown, 1990;Smith, 1989;Yerxa, 1979Yerxa, ,1987.…”

“…Professional associations have responded by strongly advocating the development of a comprehensive and in-depth research base to justify occupational therapy practice (Christiansen, 1983;Dunn, 1985;Gillette, 1982;Royeen, 1988). A body of knowledge based on research is necessary for the profession to maintain exclusive jurisdiction over its unique contribution to health care and give professionals confidence in their roles as health care providers (Christiansen, 1986;Cusick, 1987;Goble, 1989;Law, 1989;Smith, 1989;Yerxa, 1987).…”

“…Several writers have advocated that occupational therapists including educators, administrators, researchers, consultants, clinicians and students, must be scientifically accountable (Christiansen, 1991;Gillette, 1991b;Lyons & Rodger, 1988;Ottenbacher, 1987;Yerxa, 1979). Smith (1989) reported that many ideas in the occupational therapy field have developed empirically and have been accompanied by remarkably little experimental research. Fisher, Kielhofner and Davis (1989) noted that occupational therapy began and continues primarily as a practice field and is only secondarily concerned with the development of knowledge.…”