Competence in scientific inquiry and research.

The survival and expansion of the profession of occupational therapy depends on its ability to respond to continually changing environments. One of the most current and critical factors in this adaptation is the capacity of therapists to achieve competence in scientific inquiry and research. Competence in the role of researcher is necessary because it contributes to the development of the individual therapist, the profession, and the organization within which the therapist functions. The aim of this article is to review and elaborate on the competencies associated with the role of researcher and to propose a reconceptualization of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that shape competence in scientific inquiry.