29th Annual Student Research Conference
Amish defying adapter types, Innovators of their own
Parker Willis
Dr. Cory Anderson, Faculty Mentor
Rogers Adapter types list the Amish as Laggards (those who are the very last to adopt a technology), but upon closer inspection the Amish appear to make many innovations themselves even leading the pack in categories like reflective tape, efficient batteries, and alternative energy sources. The idea that Amish are laggards operates on the assumption they travel the same path as mainstream America. Mainstream America and the Amish are on different paths and therefore the Amish should not simply be labeled laggards but examined more closely as to their different path and how they innovate in their own way on that different path. The research consists of first a literature review of Rogerss adapter types, as well as. The research will also look at the agricultural world (convention vs organic farming), the medical world (Medical Doctors vs Doctors of Osteopathy and other alternative medicines), and the business world (Corporations vs Small business).
Keywords: Amish, Adopter-types, Interview, Laggards
Topic(s):Sociology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: -4
Location: VH 1328
Time: 8:45