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Beliefs And Values In Agricultural Economics Research

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  • Hardaker, J. Brian

Abstract

Attention is drawn to the values that are often kept hidden but condition what research agricultural economists do. It is pointed out that the economic theory, which guides most research, is not value free and that therefore the lack of debate about theory amongst Australian agricultural economists may be unhealthy. In a world with uncertainty, the research process is likened to learning, leading to a suggestion that Bayesian procedures provide a more satisfactory conceptual framework for the process of enquiry than does the conventional hypothesistesting approach. While difficulties in the practical applicability of Bayesian methods are understood, they do provide insights which permit some of the more inappropriate uses of hypothesis testing to be recognised. The view of research enquiry as learning also leads to an appreciation of the desirability of a more honest acceptance of the inherent subjectivity of the process. Finally, attention is drawn to the need for vigilance over professional standards in research.

Suggested Citation

  • Hardaker, J. Brian, 1985. "Beliefs And Values In Agricultural Economics Research," Australian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 29(2), pages 1-10, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:ajaeau:22515
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.22515
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Warren F. Musgrave, 1976. "Problems Of Change In Australian Agricultural Economics," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 20(3), pages 133-143, December.
    2. McCloskey, Donald N, 1983. "The Rhetoric of Economics," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 21(2), pages 481-517, June.
    3. W.R. Stent, 1976. "Critique Of The Methodology Of Australian Agricultural Economics," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 20(1), pages 1-18, April.
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    6. George W. Ladd, 1979. "Artistic Research Tools for Scientific Minds," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 61(1), pages 1-11.
    7. Richard A. King, 1979. "Choices and Consequences," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 61(5), pages 839-848.
    8. Johnson, Glenn L., 1963. "Stress On Production Economics," Australian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 7(1), pages 1-15, June.
    9. Glenn L. Johnson, 1963. "Stress On Production Economics," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 7(1), pages 12-26, June.
    10. Musgrave, Warren F., 1976. "Problems Of Change In Australian Agricultural Economics," Australian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 20(3), pages 1-11, December.
    11. William T. Boehm & D.J. Menkhaus & J.B. Penn, 1976. "Accuracy of Least Squares Computer Programs: Another Reminder," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 58(4_Part_1), pages 757-760.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fisher, Brian S., 1985. "Frontiers in Agricultural Policy Research," Review of Marketing and Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 53(02), pages 1-11, August.
    2. Richardson, Bob, 1985. "Frontiers in Agricultural Policy Research: Discussion," Review of Marketing and Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 53(02), pages 1-4, August.
    3. Edwards, Geoff W., 1985. "Frontiers in Agricultural Policy Research: Discussion," Review of Marketing and Agricultural Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 53(02), pages 1-6, August.

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