Research paper understanding- L3 SORE model

Question 1

What does the S-shaped graph suggest?

Answer 1

The S-shaped graph suggests that the rate at which new technology is used starts at a low level, increasingly slowly at first and then faster until a point of inflection. After this the level of use approaches saturation level (typically 100%).

Question 2

What is the research paper and who wrote it?

Answer 2

Karshenas, M., Stoneman, P. (1992). A Flexible Model of Technological Diffusion Incorporating Economic Factors with an Application to the Spread of Colour Television Ownership in the UK. Journal of Forecasting, 11: 577-601

Question 3

What was the research question?

Answer 3

Can we create a diffusion model that reflects influence of economic parameters on the diffusion process?

Question 4

What was the motivation for the paper?

Answer 4

Existing models are deficient with respect to behavioural grounds and empirical grounds.

Question 5

What were the general findings?

Answer 5

• Epidemic models can be applied to any household technology if there’s reliable data.
• Emphasize the role of economic factors in the diffusion process.

Question 6

What were the main findings

Answer 6

• Endogenous/epidemic factors played a small role, because monochrome TV’s were already widespread and a late arrival in the UK, so most families were familiar with the qualities of the new product.
• Epidemic models can be applied to household technology.
• The epidemic/ endogenous growth factor was not very important