A theoretical model of innovation adoption by farmers to pollution control innovations introduced by a government project in Indiana is presented and variables which affect adoption are evaluated. (KR)

Two research traditions in communication are compared: the Adoption-Diffusion tradition and the Hermeneutic-Dialectic tradition. The former has been concerned with innovations, while the latter has been concerned with texts. These are compared on eight background assumptions: ontology, language, intentionality, understanding, communications model,…

The article traces evolution of diffusion theory; illustrates undesirable consequences in a cross-cultural setting, reviews criticisms of several scholars; considers distributional effects and unanticipated consequences for potential ameliorative impact on diffusion theory; and codifies these factors into a framework for research into consequences…

Data collected from a sample of farmers representing 15 Pakistani villages show that greater equality in village power distribution is positively related to greater adoption of agricultural technology as analyzed at the village level. When effects of water control are parceled out, the power-adoption relationship is strengthened. (LC)

Exploring the relationship between a farmer's risk attitude and the likelihood that he will adopt selected technical alternatives to a well-integrated agricultural practice threatened with discontinuance, this article supports the view that risk-averse farmers, rather than risk takers, tend to be early adopters. (SB)

This research employs a multi-disciplinary approach by developing a model that draws upon psychometric, cultural, and reflexive modernization perspectives of risk perception. Using data from a 1999 national telephone survey, we tested our model on three food risks ? pesticides, Salmonella, and fat. Results showed that perceptions of risks do vary…

Discusses selected sociological barriers to achieving collective adoption of natural resource conservation and development projects in rural areas of developing nations. Suggests collective adoption of innovation is an important component of rural development strategies, especially in poorer strata. (AH)

Data gathered through telephone interviews with Illinois farmers are used to study the adoption of soil conservation practices (operationalization of environmental innovation) and commercial practices. (NQ)

This study used a longitudinal, panel design to examine the effects of negative information acquisition, compliance with opinion leader endorsements, and social demographic characteristics on consumers' symbolic adoption of food irradiation. Data collection coincided with the first market test of irradiated food conducted by a commercial firm,…

Proposes new model for study of microcomputer technology in agriculture in which diffusion/adoption of innovations is conceptualized as a structural process affected by "access conditions" resulting from research and development, intrinsic technology characteristics, and distributional characteristics. Examines thesis that potential adopters…

Intensive rotational grazing by Wisconsin dairy farmers represents a local expression of the sustainable agriculture movement. Contrary to interpretations that view local knowledge in agriculture as idiosyncratic, these graziers use horizontal forms of organizing and information exchange to overcome the limits of personal experience and share…