A Perspective on Music Therapy Research in Great Britain

Abstract
Researching and writing about music therapy has evolved from an early anecdotal stage through a period of rigorous behavioural research — particularly in the United States — to the present position where many directions could be followed. Outcome research can contribute to the profession's external validity and research into music therapy processes to increased internal validity. This paper argues for a synthesis of these two approaches, implying an integration of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Links with other disciplines are explored but in relation to the development of a coherent individual theory of music therapy.