The present research addresses advice taking from a holistic perspective covering both advice seeking and weighting. We build on previous theorizing that assumes that underweighting of advice results from biased samples of information. That is, decision makers have more knowledge supporting their own judgment than that of another person and thus weight the former stronger than the latter. In the present approach, we assume that participants reduce this informational asymmetry by the sampling of advice and that sampling frequency depends on the information ecology. Advice that is distant from the decision maker’s initial estimate should lead to a higher frequency of advice sampling than close advice. Moreover, we assume that advice distant from the decision maker’s initial estimate and advice that is supported by larger samples of advisory estimates are weighted more strongly in the final judgment. We expand the classical research paradigm with a sampling phase that allows participants to sample any number of advisory estimates before revising their judgments. Three experiments strongly support these hypotheses, thereby advancing our understanding of advice taking as an adaptive process.

No-till systems and crop residue management have changed cropping systems in the Great Plains. Previously, winter wheat-fallow was the prevalent rotation; now producers grow warm-season crops along with winter wheat and fallow. With this diversity of crops, producers have developed an ecological approach to weed management where cultural tactics disrupt weed population growth. Producers using this approach are managing weeds with 50% less cost compared with the winter wheat-fallow rotation. Two key components of the multitactic approach are devising rotations comprised of two cool-season crops followed by two warm-season crops with the use of no-till practices. Fallow, if used, serves in either seasonal category. The cycle-of-four rotation also minimizes severity of plant diseases, thereby increasing crop yield potential. Net returns are increased with crop diversity and no-till compared with winter wheat-fallow and tillage. Reduced cost of weed management is a major factor of improved net returns, as well as increased land productivity.

Cognitive aging is a heterogeneous reality among the senior population. Studies have recently identified certain factors that may contribute to maintaining the cognitive health of seniors. To date, these research studies have primarily focused on individual determinants, namely: health conditions and lifestyle habits. A review of the literature was conducted in order to explore the socio-environmental factors that may influence the cognitive vitality of seniors. This review demonstrates that studies that have examined this potential link are very rare. Only the type and socioeconomic level of the neighbourhood of the residence, as well as the size of the social network, were identified as influential factors. However, studies have shown that the environment could modulate certain lifestyle habits which, in turn, can influence cognition. This article uses an ecological approach to illustrate individual and socio-environmental targets for the promotion of the cognitive health of seniors.

This multiple case study investigates conditions influencing the integration of the ecological approach in disease prevention and health promotion (DPHP) programs offered to older adults by local health organizations in Quebec. Scheirer’s (1981) implementation model guided the study of five Centres de Santé et Services Sociaux chosen in line with the ecological dimension of their DPHP programs. Documentary analyses were conducted along with thirty-eight semi-structured interviews among professionals and managers. Three categories of factors were explored: professional, organizational and environmental factors. Results indicate the ecological dimension of programs is influenced by organizational norms, competing priorities, team structure, external partnerships, preconceived ideas regarding DPHP for older adults, along with professional interest and training. These results provide levers for action toward optimizing services offered to the older population through disease prevention and health promotion programs.