While both occupational science and occupational therapy are rooted in systems theory and holistic views of human agency, the methods for observing and understanding an occupation's form (how something is done), function (its purpose), and meaning (how it is understood and experienced by the doer) are not always holistic in approach. For instance, disciplines such as biomechanics and psychology inform occupational science but, individually, are not necessarily concerned about how their explanations contribute to an integrated understanding of the factors collectively influencing a person's daily life.
While occupational science and occupational therapy share roots in systems theory and holistic views of human agency, their methods for observing and understanding an occupation's form (how it is done), function (its purpose), and meaning (how it is understood and experienced) are not always comprehensive or integrated. For instance, disciplines like biomechanics and psychology contribute to occupational science but individually may not prioritize how their explanations contribute to a holistic understanding of the factors influencing a person's daily life.