promoting values and beliefs towards indirect benefits, such as cultural preservation and

environmental conservation, may support persistent use of TAP.

 Researchers explain farmer adoption behavior based in rational thinking primarily

through socioeconomic characteristics. In this study these factors are able to explain

some of Cherokee farmers' behavior or use of traditional agricultural practices. Nowak

(1987) states "what farmers should do according to economic theory is not the same as

what farmers actually do in adopting a new technology. Therefore, instead of stopping

with the legitimate deduction that economies are important in the adoption of

conservation practices, we must go on to the equally important task of explaining

variability among farmers in terms of their pursuing conservation objectives" (p. 218).

Although this statement refers to adoption of conservation behaviors, it readily applies to

this research. The economic model offers a framework with which to begin looking at

persistence behavior. However, it is an incomplete explanation of Cherokee farmers'

agricultural behaviors. Cherokee farmers' array of agricultural behaviors still needs

further investigation and scrutiny.

 If most participants are persisters, then the differences between TAP user groups

are not adequately nor fully explained by the theory of planned behavior or the diffusion

innovation model. Like the economic model, they are able to better explain adoption

behaviors that have observable direct benefits. Behavioral models that have gained

acceptance in psychology and sociology disciplines provide implications for improving

the economic model to assess Cherokee farmers' use of TAP.

 However, researchers need to develop an integrated behavioral theory, as it relates

to persistence behavior. Research should draw upon the most successful predictors of