Chapter 5 Review Questions

Short Answer Questions

1. Which would be more likely to be developed locally: pottery or windmills? Explain.

2. Explain the relevance to a new user of “uncertainty”, one of the key terms of Rogers’ model of the diffusion of innovations, for the adoption of a self-tracking gadget like the Fitbit.

3. Explain the term “relative advantage.”

4. Discuss what the drawbacks are of engaging in self-tracking through the use of tools like the Fitbit.

5. Explain the stages of the S-curve of adoption.

6. Explain what characteristics of AI assistants makes these tools a good choice for consumers.

7. Why is it necessary to maintain strong and positive marketing relations with early adopters of technology? Explain using Apple products as an example.

Essay Questions

1. What are the motivations for individuals to engage in self-tracking? Discuss the effects of self-tracking on individuals’ well-being. Include in your discussion the positive and negative effects, both short-term and long-term.

2. The government of Canada has taken a bold approach by financially supporting superclusters. Explain what superclusters are and how they operate. Discuss what elements of the way that the government of Canada has set up these superclusters will facilitate real innovation and new technology development. Are there any important challenges that need to be considered that the government has overlooked in how it has developed the program?