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Occupational Therapy PP-OTD

Using Theoretical Frameworks building under construction with steel girders exposed

Theoretical frameworks provide the underlying ideas that create structure for your approach to your research or project. They guide decisions around your definition of the problem, the methods you use, and can give your analysis direction. 

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Popular Theoretical Frameworks

Start here! Occupational Therapy Theories, Compendia

Interprofessional Collaboration

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Find Additional Theoretical Frameworks

sign post at a crossroadsDon't know of any theoretical frameworks that apply? Here are some ideas for finding potential candidates.

  1. Look at articles you've already gathered for your literature review. What theoretical frameworks do they employ?
  2. Google Scholar! Do a broad search for your general topic plus the words "theoretical framework." Examine results. 

 

Already know the frameworks you want? 

  1. Find the original article describing its development or first application. 
    1. Search OneSearch or Google Scholar for the framework title.
    2. If the original article doesn't immediately pop up, look at other articles that cited the framework. Use their reference lists to get to that article.
  2. Find other research that used your framework to see how those studies applied it. This could help you decide how you'll apply it to your own research or project.