Question

E. M. Rogers with his Diffusion of Innovation Theory identified these categories of adopters each with different attitudes toward innovation.

1. Pioneers, technology leaders, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and technically challenged.

2. Trendsetters, vast majority, and luddites.

3. Innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards.

4. Pacesetters, early adopters, majority, and latecomers.

Answer 1

The correct categorization of adopters in E. M. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory includes Innovators, Early Adopters, Early Majority, Late Majority, and Laggards, which broadly represents the sequence in which different groups in society adopt new innovations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Diffusion of Innovation Theory, developed by E. M. Rogers in 1962, categorizes adopters of innovations into five distinct groups. These groups reflect the varying attitudes and behaviors of individuals towards the adoption of new technologies, concepts, and practices. The third option presented in the question, "3. Innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards," accurately lists these categories in the correct order, as defined by Rogers in his theory.

The first group, Innovators, are the smallest and the first to adopt an innovation, willing to take risks. Early Adopters are a larger group that follows, consisting of opinion leaders who enjoy leadership roles and embrace change opportunities. The Early Majority adopts innovations just before the average person, while the Late Majority is skeptical and adopts the innovation after the majority of society has accepted it. Lastly, Laggards are the last to adopt an innovation, often due to economic constraints, feelings of tradition, or skepticism.

This model is useful in several fields including business, technology, and cultural studies to understand how different groups within a society accept and use new ideas and products.