Research Article

The diffusion of theories: A functional approach

  1. Betsy Van der Veer Martens1,
  2. Abby A. Goodrum2

Article first published online: 14 DEC 2005

DOI: 10.1002/asi.20285

Issue

Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology

Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology

Volume 57, Issue 3, pages 330–341, 1 February 2006

Additional Information

How to Cite

Veer Martens, B. V. d. and Goodrum, A. A. (2006), The diffusion of theories: A functional approach. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 57: 330–341. doi: 10.1002/asi.20285

Author Information

  1. 1

    School of Library and Information Studies, University of Oklahoma, Schusterman Center, 4502 East 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135-2512

  2. 2

    School of Journalism, Ryerson University, Rogers Communications Centre, 80 Gould Street, Room 305, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 20 JAN 2006
  2. Article first published online: 14 DEC 2005
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 1 FEB 2005
  4. Manuscript Revised: 3 DEC 2004
  5. Manuscript Received: 10 NOV 2004

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Abstract

This comparative case study of the diffusion and nondiffusion over time of eight theories in the social sciences uses citation analysis, citation context analysis, content analysis, surveys of editorial review boards, and personal interviews with theorists to develop a model of the theory functions that facilitate theory diffusion throughout specific intellectual communities. Unlike previous work on the diffusion of theories as innovations, this theory functions model differs in several important respects from the findings of previous studies that employed Everett Rogers's classic typology of “innovation characteristics that promote diffusion.” The model is also presented as a contribution to a more integrated theory of citation.

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