Sources and uses of information and their implication for the acceptance of knowledge-based decision support systems in agriculture

Owen Robert Smith, Purdue University

Abstract

Agricultural producers are required to make management decisions which may involve considerable capital outlays and/or the potential for income enhancement. Microcomputers are being used, increasingly, for recordkeeping and data analysis; information components important to informed decision-making. However, the producer's heuristic knowledge, or that of an expert in the field, must be applied to the data in order to form conclusions and make decisions. Advances in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have made it possible for heuristic knowledge to be placed in micro-computer based programs such that they can be used to solve domain-specific problems which usually require an expert. Issues relating to their adoption by producers have not been addressed. The purpose of this research is to identify the role producers perceive expert systems will have in their operations and the factors which are likely to affect acceptance. A sample of 129 Midwestern producers who use microcomputer-based decision aid programs were surveyed by telephone. In-depth information was collected regarding the sources of information used in making certain types of decisions. User-perceived source capabilities and limitations including the relative influence and attributes producers associate with frequently used information sources were determined and analyzed. A subsample of 12 Indiana producers were then given a demonstration of one or more expert systems. Post-demonstration interviews revealed characteristics identified with the systems, potential applications, and concerns about their use. As a result of this study, specific recommendations are made for the further development and promotion of expert system technology to the benefit of Agriculture.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Gaultney, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Agricultural engineering

COinS