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production functions and decision models: complementary models
Author(s) -
GLADWIN CHRISTINA H.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
american ethnologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.875
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1548-1425
pISSN - 0094-0496
DOI - 10.1525/ae.1979.6.4.02a00030
Subject(s) - maximization , production (economics) , function (biology) , utility maximization , process (computing) , economics , decision model , decision process , test (biology) , econometrics , computer science , microeconomics , management science , mathematical economics , ecology , evolutionary biology , biology , operating system
Economists use the maximization assumption to explain changes in behavior, such as the adoption of new farming practices in Puebla, Mexico. But this tests the maximization assumption itself and does not test models of farmers' actual decisions. Better explanation results from using natural decision models of the adoption process. Economic models, such as the production function, may be used to show the efficiency of practices after adoption decisions have been made.