RELEVANCE OF DUALITY THEORY TO THE PRACTICING AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST: DISCUSSION

Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Involving older people in a multi-centre randomised trial of a complex intervention in pre-hospital emergency care: implementation of a collaborative model

Background Health services research is expected to involve service users as active partners in the research process, but few examples report how this has been achieved in practice in trials. We implemented a model to involve service users in a multi-centre randomised controlled trial in pre-hospital emergency care. We used the generic Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) from our Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) as the basis for creating a model to fit the context and population of the SAFER 2 trial. Methods In our model, we planned to involve service users at all stages in the trial through decision-making forums at 3 levels: 1) strategic; 2) site (e.g. Wales; London; East Midlands); 3) local. We linked with charities and community groups to recruit people with experience of our study population. We collected notes of meetings alongside other documentary evidence such as attendance records and study documentation to track how we implemented our model. Results We involved service users at strategic, site and local level. We also added additional strategic level forums (Task and Finish Groups and Writing Days) where we included service users. Service user involvement varied in frequency and type across meetings, research stages and locations but stabilised and increased as the trial progressed. Conclusion Involving service users in the SAFER 2 trial showed how it is feasible and achievable for patients, carers and potential patients sharing the demographic characteristics of our study population to collaborate in a multi-centre trial at the level which suited their health, location, skills and expertise. A standard model of involvement can be tailored by adopting a flexible approach to take account of the context and complexities of a multi-site trial

UTILITY MEASUREMENT FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW

A practical technique for estimating decision-makers' utility functions by survey or group methods is explained and illustrated. Results from a survey of 44 Oregon farmers are reported. Risk attitudes of respondents are related to farm and decision-maker characteristics. Regression analysis found age, education, and percentage of land ownership, either separately or jointly, to be statistically significant variables related to risk attitude. Risk attitudes measured from the estimated utility functions were found to be uniformly distributed across risk aversion, neutral and preference. Even though further empirical work is needed, it appears that the distribution of risk attitude among the human population cannot be predicted from a single variable

UTILITY MEASUREMENT FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW

A practical technique for estimating decision-makersÂ’ utility functions by survey or group methods is explained and illustrated. Results from a survey of 44 Oregon farmers are reported. Risk attitudes of respondents are related to farm and decision-maker characteristics. Regression analysis found age, education, and percentage of land ownership, either separately or jointly, to be statistically significant variables related to risk attitude. Risk attitudes measured from the estimated utility functions were found to be uniformly distributed across risk aversion, neutral and preference. Even though further empirical work is needed, it appears that the distribution of risk attitude among the human population cannot be predicted from a single variable.Risk and Uncertainty,

RISK, UTILITY AND THE PALATABILTY OF EXTENSION ADVICE TO FARMER GROUPS

Using the results of an empirical study of farmers' utility functions, evidence is presented that risk plays a measurable role in farmer decision making. The extension implications of such risk influences are discussed with particular emphasis on the possible efficacy of using group utility functions as a basis for group recommendations

Proceedings of workshop on the social consequences of waste heat discharge alternatives, Argonne, Illinois, June 9--10, 1975

The workshop was attended by individuals representing federal regulatory and research agencies, universities, private industry, and citizen interest groups. The staff presented papers on quantification of social consequences, environmental considerations, social considerations, and economic considerations. Participant recommendations were made with regard to the impact matrix technique, technology assessment, and the program philosophy. The principal recommendations were that site specific cases be analyzed, careful extrapolation of results be made region by region, generic impact matrices be handled very carefully or avoided, and methodology development be initiated. (HLW

RISK, UTILITY AND THE PALATABILTY OF EXTENSION ADVICE TO FARMER GROUPS

Using the results of an empirical study of farmers' utility functions, evidence is presented that risk plays a measurable role in farmer decision making. The extension implications of such risk influences are discussed with particular emphasis on the possible efficacy of using group utility functions as a basis for group recommendations.Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,