Definition Of Diffusion Theory

Diffusion is driven by a gradient in concentration.

Definition of diffusion theory. Diffusion of innovation doi theory developed by e m. Rogers in 1962 is one of the oldest social science theories. The theory has been extensively studied by sociologists psychologists and anthropologists. Definition diffusion is the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among the members of a social system everett roger 1961.

Everett rogers a professor of communication studies popularized the theory in his book diffusion of innovations. The book was first published in 1962 and is now in its fifth edition 2003. Diffusion is the net movement of anything for example atom ions molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. Də fyü zhən thē ə rē electricity the theory that in semiconductors where there is a variation of carrier concentration a motion of the carriers is produced by diffusion in addition to the drift determined by the mobility and the electric field.

Researchers in diffusion theory have developed analytical models for explaining and forecasting the dynamics of diffusion of an innovation an idea practice or object perceived as new by an individual in a socio technical system. The diffusion theory also known as the diffusion of innovations theory is a theory concerning the spread of innovation ideas and technology through a culture or cultures. Diffusion also known as cultural diffusion is a social process through which elements of culture spread from one society or social group to another which means it is in essence a process of social change. Diffusion process resulting from random motion of molecules by which there is a net flow of matter from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.

A familiar example is the perfume of a flower that quickly permeates the still air of a room. An innovation is an idea practice or object perceived as new by an individual or other unit of adoption rogers 2003. It originated in communication to explain how over time an idea or product gains momentum and diffuses or spreads through a specific population or social system.