The core difference lies in their function: a frame of reference provides the theoretical structure to bridge theory and practice, while a model offers a practical guide for what actions to take in clinical settings.
Understanding the Concepts
To effectively apply knowledge in fields like therapy or healthcare, structures are needed to translate academic theories into real-world actions. This is where frames of reference and models come into play.
Frame of Reference
Based on the provided reference, a frame of reference is described as “a structure used to transform theory into applicable information – to link theory to practice”.
- It acts as a conceptual filter or lens through which theoretical ideas are made relevant and practical.
- It provides the "why" behind interventions by grounding them in established theories (e.g., theories of development, learning, or biomechanics).
- It helps practitioners understand underlying principles rather than just steps to follow.
Model
Practice models, such as the Occupational Performance Process Model mentioned in the reference, help therapists to know what to do in clinical practice.
- Models are more concrete and procedural.
- They provide step-by-step guides, processes, or frameworks for assessment, intervention planning, and evaluation.
- They answer the "how" or "what" of practice, often drawing upon principles derived from one or more frames of reference.
Key Differences Summarized
Here's a table highlighting the primary distinctions:
| Feature | Frame of Reference | Model |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Links theory to practice; makes theory applicable | Guides clinical actions; helps determine "what to do" |
| Nature | Theoretical structure; conceptual foundation | Practical guide; procedural framework |
| Focus | Why and how theory informs practice | What steps or processes to follow |
| Output | Applicable principles derived from theory | Specific strategies, steps, or processes for practice |
Practical Application
Think of it this way:
- A frame of reference provides the foundational understanding derived from theory (e.g., understanding how motor skills develop based on neurological principles).
- A model provides the structured approach to use that understanding in a specific context (e.g., a model outlining steps for assessing and developing a treatment plan for a client with motor skill challenges).
A practitioner might use a specific frame of reference (like a biomechanical frame of reference) to understand the underlying issues affecting a client's movement, and then use a practice model (like the Occupational Performance Process Model) to guide the actual process of assessing the client's needs, setting goals, and implementing interventions based on that biomechanical understanding.
In essence, the frame of reference gives the principles, and the model gives the method of application.
