Checks and Balances: Keeping the Science in Our Profession

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Applied linguistics
• Clinical science

Background:

• Clinicians may prioritize intervention "effectiveness" over underlying language learning theories.
• This pragmatic approach raises concerns about the scientific basis of clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss discrepancies between clinical practice and scientific theory in speech-language pathology.
• To suggest methods for integrating scientific principles into professional endeavors.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing literature and professional practices.
• Identification of gaps between theory and intervention in the field.

Main Results:

• Concerns identified regarding the definition of language, professional identity, and defining "best" interventions.
• Discrepancies exist between relying on "what works" and theoretical underpinnings.

Conclusions:

• Addressing these gaps is crucial for scientifically grounded speech-language pathology.
• Integrating science enhances the credibility and efficacy of professional interventions.