Which of the following best categorizes the group of adopters who serve as a bridge with other adopter categories?

The early majority is best categorized as the group of adopters who serve as a bridge between the early adopters and the late majority. This group typically represents a significant portion of adopters and tends to be more deliberate and thoughtful in their adoption of innovations. They do not rush to adopt new technologies or ideas as soon as they become available, but rather wait until they see the successful implementation by early adopters.

Their role is crucial because they help to validate the innovation for the larger population and facilitate wider adoption. By being more cautious than early adopters but more progressive than the late majority, the early majority helps to create essential social proof that encourages the less enthusiastic adopters to embrace the innovation.

In contrast, innovators are the very first to adopt new ideas or technologies, often driven by a desire for novelty and experimentation. Early adopters tend to be opinion leaders who embrace change more than the average person but still make decisions based on their own evaluations rather than waiting for broader acceptance. The late majority, on the other hand, are more resistant to change and typically adopt new technologies only after they have been thoroughly tested and proven by the earlier groups.