Quiz on Diffusion Concepts

Define contagious diffusion?

• The spread of an idea from nodes of authority or power

• The rapid, widespread diffusion of a characteristic throughout the population

• The modification of an idea to fit into a new culture

• The prevention of ideas spreading due to cultural resistance

Define hierarchical diffusion.

• The spread of ideas through direct contact with all individuals

• The spread of ideas from authority figures or nodes of power

• The adoption of cultural traits by modifying them

• The rejection of ideas due to cultural norms

What are cultural barriers to diffusion?

• Forces that encourage the spread of cultural traits

• Natural features that stop diffusion

• Social or cultural attitudes that prevent new ideas from being adopted

• The lack of infrastructure to support the spread of ideas

The origin of a cultural trait is known as

• Cultural Hearth

• Cultural Region

• Cultural Diffusion

• Cultural Relevance

The Roman Colosseum was left behind by the ancient Roman empire that left its cultural imprint on the land. The structure would later be studied by the current inhabitants to help them understand the culture of the previous occupants. This is an example of

• Cultural Diffusion

• Cultural Barriers

• Sequent Occupancy

• Ethnocentrism

• Syncretism

Which scenario demonstrates the effects of contagious diffusion during a pandemic?

• The disease spreads rapidly in rural areas due to close contact with animals.

• The disease is contained within urban areas due to strict quarantine measures.

• The disease spreads through international travel and trade.

• The disease is transmitted only through specific social classes.

The disease spreads quickly in densely populated urban areas and then reaches rural areas through direct contact. What type of diffusion does this describe?

• Relocation diffusion

• Contagious diffusion

• Hierarchical diffusion

• Stimulus diffusion

Chinese porcelain was highly valued in Europe for its beauty, style, and durability. Crafters in Germany and England developed new methods of making porcelain using different materials. What type of diffusion does this example describe?

• Relocation diffusion

• Stimulus diffusion

• Contagious diffusion

• Hierarchical diffusion

In what type of society is hierarchical diffusion most likely to occur?

• A society with no power structures

• A highly stratified society with clear levels of authority

• A rural society with limited access to technology

• A nomadic society with little contact between groups

The state of California, often considered a hearth of environmental laws, will be the first state to ban plastic straws. Which of the following statements best describes the likely spread of this environmental practice?

• This practice will likely spread via hierarchical diffusion when the president of the United States signs an executive order banning plastic straws in all states.

• As regional news organizations report on the ban, this practice will likely spread through contagious diffusion only to western states adjacent to California.

• Strong lobbying by the plastics industry will likely curtail the diffusion of the ban, and this practice will be limited to California.

• Similar environmental laws will likely spread through stimulus diffusion to other states via political activism.