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Questions and Answers
What is Gladwell's main thesis?
Social epidemics are spurred by Tipping Points, or moments of sudden and unexpected change.
What is the name of the American shoe brand that became popular between 1994 and 1995?
Hush Puppies
What are ideas and behaviors that spread like viral disease pandemics?
Social Epidemics
What is the first rule of social epidemics?
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What is the second rule of social epidemics?
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What is the third rule of social epidemics?
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Epidemics follow what mathematical rule?
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When was the expression 'Tipping Point' first used?
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What are the 3 'agents of change' that may tip an epidemic?
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What are the three principles?
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What is the 80/20 principle?
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What example demonstrates the Power of Context?
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Who benefits from the Stickiness Factor?
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How does Kitty Genovese's story connect?
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Why did Paul Revere's ride produce a 'word-of-mouth epidemic'?
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What are Connectors?
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What are Mavens?
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What is a Salesman?
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Joan Gantz Cooney wanted to spread literacy to preschool-age children, which ended up creating what?
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Lester Wunderman's tactic of introducing a tiny reader participation element exemplified what idea?
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How did researchers at Yale make tetanus shot statistics 'practical and personal'?
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What did Blue's Clues show Gladwell?
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What does Bernhard Goetz's story show?
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What did city consultants do in the mid-1980s to put an end to crime?
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How did the 1970s Stanford Prison Experiment change the people who were assigned roles?
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How did the 1920s research of Hugh Hartshorne and M.A. May support Gladwell's ideas?
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What did the Princeton University experiment reveal?
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What does Gladwell argue at the end of Chapter 4?
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Rebecca Wells's book 'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood' became a bestseller because of what principle?
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What are 2 examples of the Rule of 150?
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What are Innovators?
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What are Early Adopters?
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What is the 3-step process of distortion?
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What was Airwalk's branding agency that wanted to reach the Innovators/trendsetters of youth culture?
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What is the tipping point for suicides?
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Teen smoking and suicide in Micronesia is an example of what?
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The select smoking influencers illustrate which one of Gladwell's laws?
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How did Gladwell propose cigarette stickiness can be fought?
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What kind of people are Lois Weisberg and Roger Horchow?
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What did the work of sociologist Mark Granovetter help to see?
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What kind of person is Mark Alpert?
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What kind of a person is Tom Gau?
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Study Notes
Main Thesis
- Social epidemics are triggered by Tipping Points, which represent unexpected moments of change.
Popular Culture Example
- Hush Puppies, an American shoe brand, gained popularity rapidly between 1994 and 1995.
Concepts
- Social Epidemics refer to ideas and behaviors that spread rapidly, similar to viral diseases.
- The contagious nature of social epidemics illustrates their ability to spread from person to person.
- Small causes can lead to significant effects in social dynamics.
- Social changes occur rapidly, exhibiting almost instantaneous shifts rather than gradual transitions.
Mathematical Principles
- Epidemics follow a geometric progression, where effects multiply quickly, resembling a doubling pattern.
Origin of the Term
- The phrase "Tipping Point" emerged in the 1970s during studies of "white flight" in increasingly integrated urban neighborhoods.
Agents of Change
- Three "agents of change" can influence an epidemic: the infectious agent itself, the individuals who spread it, and the surrounding environment.
Key Principles
- Stickiness Factor pertains to how engaging and memorable an idea is.
- Law of the Few highlights that a small minority contributes to most of the influence.
- Power of Context emphasizes how environmental factors shape behavior.
80/20 Principle
- The 80/20 principle indicates that 20% of participants create 80% of the impact, demonstrating the significant role of certain individuals.
Case Studies
- John Zenilman's research on syphilis illustrated how a decrease in healthcare access led to an epidemic.
- Kitty Genovese's incident showcased the diffusion of responsibility among large groups.
Social Dynamics
- Paul Revere's ride exemplified the impact of a Connector—someone possessing influential social ties.
- Connectors serve as "social glue," linking diverse groups through extensive networks.
Roles in Social Change
- Mavens are experts who relish sharing knowledge and can greatly influence product dissemination.
- Salesmen are persuasive individuals whose charisma can sway public opinion.
Literacy Initiative
- Joan Gantz Cooney aimed to enhance literacy in preschoolers, resulting in the creation of Sesame Street.
Marketing Strategies
- Lester Wunderman demonstrated that small reader engagement elements can significantly enhance information campaigns' effectiveness.
Health Behavior Research
- Yale researchers made health services more accessible by providing maps, illustrating how practical changes can motivate action.
Children’s Programming Insights
- In creating Blue's Clues, the focus on making small presentation adjustments enhanced stickiness without altering core content.
Behavioral Analysis
- Bernhard Goetz's experience revealed how external circumstances can drastically modify personal behavior.
Urban Crime Reduction
- In the mid-1980s, cities reduced crime by enforcing minor laws, such as graffiti removal, showcasing the influence of the Power of Context.
Psychological Experiments
- The Stanford Prison Experiment highlighted how situational pressures could lead individuals to act against their typical moral compass.
- Research by Hugh Hartshorne and M.A. May found that character traits are adaptable according to context.
Community Dynamics
- The Rule of 150 posits a limit to the number of genuine relationships one can form, influencing social interactions in communities.
Innovators and Adoption
- Innovators are trendsetters who initiate new ideas, while Early Adopters are respected community members who help propagate trends.
Storytelling Dynamics
- The 3-step process of distortion in storytelling involves leveling, sharpening, and assimilating narratives as they spread.
Marketing Agency
- Lambesis was the branding agency aspiring to connect with Innovators within youth culture.
Imitation Trends
- High-profile suicides can create a tipping point, leading to imitation among vulnerable individuals.
Cultural Influence
- Teen smoking in Micronesia exemplifies a subculture-specific language, illustrating shared symbols within groups.
Smoking Influencers
- Select smoking influencers serve as practical examples of the Law of the Few.
Preventive Approaches
- To combat smoking habits among youth, approaches include addressing underlying depression and reducing nicotine content.
Notable Connectors
- Lois Weisberg and Roger Horchow exemplify Connectors with expansive social networks.
Research Contributions
- Mark Granovetter's work elucidated the roles and functions of Connectors in societal change.
Maven and Salesman Profiles
- Mark Alpert operates as a Maven, while Tom Gau embodies the traits of a Salesman.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on Malcolm Gladwell's 'The Tipping Point' with these review flashcards. Explore key concepts such as social epidemics and the factors that lead to sudden changes in society. Engage with notable examples from the book to deepen your understanding.