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Research Article  |   January 2003
The Perils of Power in Interpretive Research
Ellen S. Cohn; Kathleen Doyle Lyons
Author Affiliations
  • Ellen S. Cohn, ScD, OTR, FAOTA, is Clinical Associate Professor, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; ecohn@bu.edu
  • Kathleen Doyle Lyons, MS, OTR/L, is Doctoral Student, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Article Information
Special Section: Qualitative Research
Research Article   |   January 2003
The Perils of Power in Interpretive Research
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January/February 2003, Vol. 57, 40-48. doi:10.5014/ajot.57.1.40
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January/February 2003, Vol. 57, 40-48. doi:10.5014/ajot.57.1.40
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Abstract

Occupational therapy is based on core values of altruism, equality, and honoring the dignity of others. Embedded in these values is the ever-present negotiation of power. To honor the concern for the welfare of others, researchers are challenged to think about issues of power throughout the research process. This paper identifies dilemmas and raises questions researchers might ask themselves as they struggle to share power in the interpretive research process.