Barth's Model

Barth's Model

Few theories of social science possess a historical record of empirical and conceptual study that is more comprehensive than the diffusion of innovations. The strength of the theory originates from the various areas of study in which the method has undergone rigorous studying, from the variety of practices, ideas, technologies and programs, that are involved in the diffusion research. Early theoretical analysis gradually dislodged post hoc empirical research that was aimed at explaining the process of diffusion.

Purposive goals have encouraged the formation of a science of dissemination which in turn has propagated the following of evidence-centric practices in order to increase the chances that diffusion and external validity are both a more likely outcome rather than simply to boost internal validity. The process of diffusion is an amalgamation of three sub-categorized processes, such as the Presentation of new cultural element to a social environment, acceptance by society, and integration of new cultural elements into the preexisting culture.

Diffusion is a naturally occurring social event which takes place with the absence of any specific theory to derive an explanation. In fact, whether this particular innovation requires a new behavioral pattern, idea or technology, it is also a naturally occurring physical event that explains the dispersion of things in space and time. At the time that a social worker student opts for a Master's course in the assessment of programs related to social work, the primary focus is on creating intrinsic validity and addressing the all-important query - Does it work and why?

The focus is seldom on how to formulate programs in order to ensure their robustness or exhibit external validity. So even though certain analysts do tend to characterize related professions and training systems as straying away from context, an objective analysis that takes into account realistic conundrums associated with information overload, imperfect communication and hemmed in rationality are more indicative of system environments where innovations tend to blossom and then wither rapidly in a menacing outmoded cycle without much accumulated system-level learning.

Therefore, this system ensures that little comes out even though a lot goes in. A global science of dissemination has emerged on the forefront, led driven by novel communication technologies along with a greater interest from philanthropists. Apart from this, the necessities of government agencies along with the unrelenting and ever-growing problems associated with overriding research paradigms like sociology, political science and psychology have also played a pivotal role. ...