title: Understanding theory: the first step in learning about research.
abstract: This article describes a teaching method used to explain to undergraduate students how a theory is organized and how a practice model is derived based on the theory. Kielhofner's temporal adaptation of Neville's application of temporal adaptation in practice are used as examples of a developing theory and practice model. The relevance of theory analysis to research design and methods is stressed.
mesh_terms: D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D012107:Research Design