Describes the dominant model of development, the factors that have led to its decline, and the emerging alternatives. Implications of this shift in thinking on the role of communication in development are discussed and suggestions for using field experiments and network analysis are proposed. (MH)

The change process can be described as a cycle consisting of 5 phases: invention, diffusion, decision, adoption-rejection, and consequences. Poor communication between inventor and user is probably the weakest point in the educational system. Most innovative decisions are made by the school system rather than individual teachers. Characteristics…

The nature and timing of decisions regarding the diffusion of new instructional materials and practices are critical to the ultimate utility achieved by a curriculum project. This publication is a collection of five conference papers which deal with various aspects of diffusion of innovative materials and ideas. Everett M. Rogers discusses two…

The role of mass media and interpersonal communication in development in Latin America, Africa, and Asia is reviewed. Then, research and development program experience is synthesized to show (1) that the mass media at present play a major role in creating a "climate for modernization" among villagers, but are less important in diffusing…

Taboo communication is examined in relation to its distinctive characteristics and its significance in inhibiting social change involving birth control in Asian and other countries. Taboo communication tends to occur between very high homophilous individuals, which poses problems for communications research. Research is inhibited when researchers…

Using four IMPACT innovations as examples (EXPER SIM, Guided Design, TIPS, and Student-to-Student Counseling), this study attempts to define the nature of technological and social changes in university teaching. Data were gathered in three phases: (1) a questionnaire was mailed to individuals who requested information; (2) the adopters of…

How do innovations (defined as idea, products, and practices perceived as new by an individual) diffuse to members of a social system? The authors answer this and other questions about the character of innovators, the rate of adoption of ideas, and the decision-making process in 103 generalizations about diffusion of innovation. These propositions…