In human geography, which of the following is the best example of stimulus diffusion?

Introduction / Context:
This question comes from cultural and human geography and focuses on the concept of stimulus diffusion. Understanding different types of diffusion helps explain how ideas, cultural practices, and technologies spread across space. Stimulus diffusion is one of several diffusion types, and exam questions often ask you to recognise it from real life examples, especially involving the spread of ideas that are adapted rather than copied exactly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The topic is stimulus diffusion, a specific form of cultural diffusion.
• Options describe different ways ideas, people, or diseases spread.
• You must identify the example where the underlying idea spreads but is modified locally.

Concept / Approach:
Cultural diffusion describes how cultural traits move from one place to another. Relocation diffusion occurs when people physically move and carry traits with them. Contagious diffusion is rapid, widespread spread of something, such as a viral video, with little regard for hierarchy or distance. Hierarchical diffusion spreads first to important or powerful places and then down the hierarchy. Stimulus diffusion occurs when the underlying idea or principle spreads, but specific characteristics of the original trait do not; instead, local cultures adapt or modify the idea. A classic example is the spread of fast food: the idea of quick service restaurants spreads worldwide, but menu items change to match local tastes and religious or cultural restrictions.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Human geography textbooks often use global fast food chains as examples of stimulus diffusion. They explain how the basic idea of quick, standardised meals is adopted in many countries, while specific menu items are altered (for example, vegetarian burgers in India, rice dishes in East Asia). Another common example is the adoption of technological interfaces or fashion styles with local modifications. These examples match the pattern described in option C: core concept adopted, details adapted. This confirms that option C is the best example of stimulus diffusion among the choices given.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A family moving from one country to another and carrying their customs is relocation diffusion because the culture moves with the people, not just the idea being copied and modified by locals.

The rapid spread of a viral video clip is contagious diffusion, as it spreads quickly from person to person without significant modification.

A disease spreading to nearby villages is also contagious diffusion, reflecting biological transmission rather than adoption of an idea with local adaptation.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse any kind of spread with contagious diffusion, ignoring whether the trait is being changed in the new location. Another pitfall is to focus only on physical movement of people and call everything relocation diffusion. To avoid these mistakes, pay attention to whether the receiving culture modifies the original idea; if so, it is likely stimulus diffusion. In this question, the spread of the fast food concept with local menu adaptation clearly illustrates stimulus diffusion.