Approaches to Reasoning in Occupational Therapy: A Critical Exploration

This article approaches reasoning from a cognitive science paradigm. It is proposed that problem solving follows a basic process common to all human beings faced with a problem. However, there are variations in the process that are caused by the nature of the problem and the expertise of the problem solver. These variations in problem-solving methods should not be confused with the content of the reasoning which may be influenced by the domain in which the problem is framed and the individual characteristics of the problem solver. Clinical reasoning in nursing and medicine has been well researched and provides a benchmark for approaching reasoning in occupational therapy. This article outlines approaches to reasoning, emphasising the information-processing approach and its relevance to occupational therapy. It concludes with a critique of the modes of reasoning proposed by Mattingly and Fleming.