The Idea of an Essay, Volume 2

61 explanation: “A high number of participants (90.9%) reported that they used sensory processing or sensory integration assessments” (287). Eventually, in the “Discussion” and “Conclusion” sections, they do incorporate their interpretation of the results into the piece. However, they still elaborate only as far as enabled by their results. Within each of these formal elements, the authors also utilize a practice common to the scientific field as a whole—the use of passive voice. By making statements such as, “Environmental modifications have been identified as the interventions that are most likely to enable children with ASD to achieve success in their daily activities” (290), the authors remove the subject from the action performed. In part, this reliance on passive voice makes the writing style appear more objective. Therefore, by taking themselves out of the presentation of the results, the authors incorporate a seemingly unbiased voice into the concise format, all of which contributes to the development of ethos and to the overall strength of the paper. As a whole, the authors of this article succeed in effectively contributing to the advancement of the field of occupational therapy. Through careful presentation of information, they maintain a high level of credibility. Additionally, by remaining mindful of the purpose of this specific type of writing, the authors remain concise and impartial. This reliability remains crucial to academic journals seeking to enable the progression of occupational therapy. Effective articles such as this often serve as the tools that guide occupational therapists in identifying better methods of treatment. Then, with this research in mind, evidence of an advancing field reveals itself through the progress notes clinical occupational therapists record as they implement these new methods of treatment. In a sense, writing in occupational therapy creates an interconnected cycle that propels the field forward.