Which of the following characteristics of a social system could result in the slowing of an innovation's diffusion?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To evaluate diffusion in a social system, consider factors that either impede or promote the spread of an innovation.
Option 1: 'a high degree of modernity' — Modernity often brings greater openness, connectivity, and access to new ideas, which typically facilitates diffusion rather than slows it. Therefore, this would more likely accelerate diffusion, not slow it.
Option 2: 'a high degree of homophily' — Homophily means people connect with similar others. This can slow diffusion across different groups or clusters, but it can also help diffusion within a like-minded group. The net effect is context-dependent, but it does not inherently ensure a slowing of diffusion as strong as physical distance can; it may moderate or channel diffusion rather than outright impede it system-wide.
Option 3: 'a high degree of physical distance between members' — Greater physical distance reduces face-to-face interactions, opportunities for observation, and social tie strength, which are key conduits for diffusion. This factor is a clear and direct mechanism that tends to slow the spread of an innovation across a network.
Option 4: 'the existence of opinion leaders' — Opinion leaders typically facilitate diffusion by interpreting, endorsing, or promoting the innovation to others, thereby accelerating adoption in the network.
In summary, the characteristic most directly associated with hindering diffusion is substantial physical separation among members, as it weakens the interpersonal channels through which innovations spread. The other options describe factors that either ease diffusion (modernity, opinion leaders) or have a more nuanced or indirect effect (homophily) rather than a straightforward slowdown.

Which of the following characteristics of a social system could result in the slowing of an innovation's diffusion?

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