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.
Occupational science and occupational therapy share a foundation in systems theory and a holistic view of human agency, but their methods for studying an occupation's form (how it is done), function (its purpose), and meaning (how it is experienced) may not always be comprehensive or integrated. Disciplines like biomechanics and psychology contribute to occupational science but may not fully consider how their explanations contribute to a holistic understanding of the factors influencing a person's daily life.