Key Terms, Tab 3
Key Terms: Updated Instructions
A. The terms must be hand-written on a separate sheet of paper
B. Number the terms in each group
C. Examples should be used for most terms (or if it is more helpful for a term you can put an illustration of the term
instead of an example)
D. Examples should be placed on the next line, after the definition (and should say “Ex:” or “Example:”)
E. Highlight each key term
F. Leave at least three lines between each group
G. Translate the definitions into your own words so they are more meaningful for you- this will help you A LOT
more on the unit exam!
H. Label each group (YOU come up with the label after you define the terms)
DIFFUSION
1. Distance decay-as distance from the hearth increases the intensity of the cultural trait decreases; has become
less significant with modern technology
Example: The further you get from the German border the less likely German is going to be the dominant
language
2. Spatial diffusion-the spread of a phenomenon across space
Example: expansion (hierarchical, stimulus, contagious) and relocation are types of diffusion
3. Hierarchical diffusion-the spread of a phenomenon from people or places of greater prominence without regard
to distance and then ultimately to people or places of lesser prominence
Example: fashion trends
4. Stimulus diffusion-in order for a phenomenon to continue to spread to new people and places it changes as it
encounters cultural barriers to be accepted
Example: McDonald’s has modified menus to gain acceptance in other countries such as India
5. Contagious diffusion-the spread of a phenomenon across space based upon proximity
Example: Tuberculosis
6. Relocation diffusion-the movement of a phenomenon across space, but without an increase in the phenomenon
Example: I bring my accent with me from Kentucky to Texas, but the accent isn’t “caught” by anyone in my new
location
7. Space-physical area
REGIONS
1. Spatial organization/spatial association- how things can be grouped across space/what things are similarly
distributed across space
Example: examining where populations who speak Spanish are the majority in the United States
2. Regionalization/regional analysis- grouping places together based upon similar characteristics
Example: examining all countries where Islam is dominant as one region
3. Formal region- an area where there is a unifying characteristic or set of characteristics
Example: the Corn Belt
4. Functional region- a region with boundaries created based upon the extent of influence of a place or an activity
Example: metro Louisville
5. Perceptual region- a region that is based on identity and individualized experiences; some of the basis of the
region could be seen as formal, but it is also layered with phenomena that have a degree of subjectivity
Example: “The South”