Theory development and a science of rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
This article considers the role of theory and theory building in science and specifically in rehabilitation. It is argued that rehabilitation has tended to value theory testing over theory building and some evidence is presented for this.


METHODS
Some general questions concerning the role of theory in scientific progress are discussed including: What is a theory? What is the role of theory in science? What makes a good scientific theory? How does theoretical change occur in science? Where relevant these questions are discussed in terms of examples from clinical rehabilitation research.


RESULTS
Two important issues arising from the preceding discussion are then considered. First is the question of whether a general or unifying theory of rehabilitation is a desirable goal. The second concerns how we might begin to develop a coherent programme of theory building in rehabilitation.


CONCLUSIONS
More time spent on rehabilitation theory building may enhance the fruits of empirical theory testing.
Siegert
Richard J
RJ
Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. rsiegert@wnmeds.ac.nz
McPherson
Kathryn M
KM
Dean
Sarah G
SG
D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010934:Planning Techniques; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D012586:Science