Fiveable
Fiveable

Diffusion S Curve

Definition

The Diffusion S Curve represents the rate at which an innovation spreads or diffuses through a population over time, typically following an 'S' shape pattern where initial growth is slow, followed by rapid uptake before slowing down again as saturation occurs.

Related terms

Early Adopter: These are individuals who adopt an innovation early during its diffusion process. They're like the first few people in line for a new roller coaster ride.

Late Majority: These are individuals who adopt an innovation after the average member of society. They're like those who decide to ride the roller coaster only after seeing many others do it safely.

Saturation: This is when nearly all individuals within a social system have adopted an innovation. It's like when everyone has ridden the roller coaster, and there's no one left in line.

"Diffusion S Curve" appears in:

Study guides (1)

  • AP Human Geography - 3.4 Types of Cultural Diffusion

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab


Fiveable
About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.