Theoretical and methodological alignment through multi-modal research designs: Advancing the transactional perspective of occupation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Moving beyond an individualized perspective in occupational science requires not only a theoretical paradigm shift, but also a methodological shift, broadening the focus beyond the individual experience. Methodologically, recentering the focus of inquiry to action requires thoughtful consideration of procedures to minimize some of the traditional dualisms separating individuals’ experiences of cognition and emotion, as well as distinctions drawn between individuals and the natural world. The Transactional Perspective of Occupation (TPO) supports the reduction in dualism through its action-orientation, naturalistic perspective, and conceptual understanding of the aesthetic experience. Consistent with this theoretical stance, non-participatory visual methods provide an opportunity to explore nuances of occupation that are less frequently addressed. Grounded in concepts of the TPO, this paper reviews two of these promising methods, providing an exemplar of how visual methods in occupational science research can be used to deepen understanding of occupation without privileging the individual voice. This exemplar examines multi-species engagement of horses and humans, which provides a natural opportunity to move beyond the language-based and individual-centric strategies that are commonly utilized to explore occupation. Methods and modes of analysis will be discussed, followed by a critique of their potential utility and value for future research aligned with the TPO. Employing non-participatory visual methods provides a new strategy for occupational scientists to reach past the individual perspective and more fully engage the dynamic, situated nature of occupation.