Becoming a lifelong detective: Elementary, our dear occupational scientists

As one of the founders of occupational science, Dr Elizabeth Yerxa invited occupational scientists to embrace the analogy of becoming a lifelong detective, as a way to explain why curiosity and critical examination are key capabilities required to understand our doing. In this piece, the analogy is taken and expanded through the reflections around a shared occupation: having dinner at a social club. While sharing a meal, two occupational therapists, with different personal and professional backgrounds, discuss their own journey at learning the required detective work. By proposing three clues (in terms of discovering, noticing, and sharing) they outline how their experiences in the field have been informed by Dr Yerxa’s seminal ideas. Importantly, understanding occupation should not be contained as a solitary pursuit. Sharing your findings and educating others about solving the mystery of occupations continues Dr Yerxa’s vision to create “a cadre of scholars who would become lifelong detectives” (Yerxa, 2000, p. 196). By doing this, old and new generations of occupational scientists can continuously shape their own perspectives in an informed manner. Following the steps and traces left by Dr Yerxa builds a thirst for new occupational clues and ideas, and the clarity to inspire others to always wonder about the intricacies of occupation.