DECA Retail Merchandising Practice Exam

What characteristic describes the degree of alignment a fashion has with existing norms and values?

1. Triability

2. Complexity

3. Compatibility

4. Relative advantage

The correct answer is: Compatibility

The degree of alignment a fashion has with existing norms and values is best described as compatibility. Compatibility refers to how well an innovation or trend fits with the current beliefs, values, and practices of consumers. When a fashion trend aligns closely with what people already accept and understand, it is more likely to be embraced and adopted by them. For example, a fashion trend that promotes sustainability may resonate well with consumers who already value environmentally friendly practices, indicating a high level of compatibility. This means that consumers are more willing to incorporate this trend into their lives because it aligns with their existing beliefs. Triability refers to the extent to which a new idea or trend can be experimented with on a limited basis, complexity concerns how difficult the trend is to understand or use, and relative advantage assesses the perceived benefits of adopting the trend compared to what currently exists. While these factors can influence the adoption of a fashion trend, they do not specifically measure how well the trend fits with existing societal norms and values like compatibility does.