Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Understanding Relational Competence In Emerging Adult Adoptees: A New Way To Conceptualize Competence In Close Relationships, Krystal K. Cashen

Masters Theses

Relatively little research has focused on the positive adjustment of emerging adult adoptees (Palacios & Brodzinsky, 2010). Given the developmental context of emerging adulthood (Arnett, 2000), it is important to select a measure of adjustment that reflects the increased ambiguity seen in this time period. The present study aims to develop and validate a measure of relational competence, or competence in one’s closest relationship regardless of relationship type (i.e., romantic vs. nonromantic). This measure will be created by adapting the Romantic Competence Interview, a measure of romantic competence previously used with emerging adults (Shulman, Davila, & Shachar-Shapira, 2011). Participants …

Cattle Producers East Of The 100th Meridian: A Study Of Afforestation Adoption And Use Of Pasture Management Practices, Hannah Sage Claytor

Masters Theses

This thesis explores two topics related to cattle producers: the adoption of afforestation on pastureland and the use of pasture management practices. Chapter 1 uses a triple hurdle model to analyze a decision process related to the adoption and acreage enrollment of afforestation in a hypothetical program. The results suggest that producers interested in afforestation are more likely to have a college degree, own woodland, attend extension workshops, and have previous experience with afforestation. Producers who were offered a lower incentive enrolled more acres in the hypothetical program. Producers who were offered a higher incentive enrolled fewer acres.

Chapter 2 …

Soil Test Information In Cotton Production: Adoption, Use, And Value In Potassium Management, David Caldwell Harper

Masters Theses

Soil sampling can help producers gain more accurate knowledge about soil nutrient properties and field-level characteristics. This information aids in the placement and timing of fertilizer application. Optimal input application may lower variable costs, increase economic returns, and moderate off-site environmental impacts of farming. Yet producer decisions to incorporate soil information into management practices and perceptions about the value of soil test information over time depends on a wide range of economic, social, and producer characteristics. Studies examining the value of soil information for optimal nutrient management may help inform producers considering adopting these technologies about the potential benefits of …