What Occupational Therapists Consider to be Worth Knowing: An Analysis of Swedish Occupational Therapists' Examination Papers 1984-96

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the 1984-96 examination papers of a group of experienced occupational therapists with regard to their research interests, and especially to ontological and strategic matters. The title pages, summaries and discussions of results of 84 papers were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively, with the starting point of two of the components from Törnebohm's structure of paradigms: the world view and the field of action view components. The occupational therapists' interest in research subjects related to the field of action view component of paradigms and applied research on strategic matters dominated the material. The interest in research subjects related to the world view component of paradigms and basic research on ontological matters increased over the last 5-year period. The increasing interest in more ontological matters seems to be natural and necessary progress for a profession that is deeply involved in knowledge acquired by experience. Only by the development of a ?double-edged? knowledge will it be possible for the profession to develop and adapt to future demands.