Some Comments on Asking the Right Questions, Getting the Right Answers

Date
1993-01
Authors
Fairbairn-Dunlop, Peggy
Contributor
Advisor
Department
Instructor
Depositor
Speaker
Researcher
Consultant
Interviewer
Annotator
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Hawaii
Volume
Number/Issue
Starting Page
Ending Page
Alternative Title
Abstract
In recent years, agricultural research has turned from a concentration on technology improvement (i.e., taro varieties, soils analysis, quick-growing hybrids) to include a concern for the socio-economic context of the study (i.e., the people who will use or benefit from the technology). That the socio-economic perspective should be an integral part of agricultural research has been widely acknowledged, and new data collection techniques have evolved to achieve this based on the principles of participatory theory such as farming systems research and rapid rural appraisal strategies. It is not easy placing research into its socio-economic context. However, if technology is to be accepted, used, and passed on, it is essential that this is done at each level of the research process. This will require that we approach our research with an open mind, that we ask the right question, and focus our research according to the answers we gain. The information dissemination networks we establish as we interact with farmers will ensure that knowledge is exchanged. However, there must also be a concerted systematic extension program if a wider group of people are to benefit from research findings.
Description
Keywords
agricultural research, interviews, on-farm research, research methods, sociology, technology transfer
Citation
Fairbairn-Dunlop P. 1993. Some comments on asking the right questions, getting the right answers. In: Ferentinos L, editor. Proceedings of the Sustainable Taro Culture for the Pacific Conference. Sustainable Taro Culture for the Pacific Conference; 1992 Sept 24-25; Honolulu, Hawaii. Honolulu (HI): University of Hawaii. p. 73-78.
Extent
6 pages
Format
Geographic Location
Time Period
Related To
Table of Contents
Rights
Rights Holder
University of Hawaii
Local Contexts
Email libraryada-l@lists.hawaii.edu if you need this content in ADA-compliant format.