Trialability (divisibility) is the degree to which an innovation may be experimented with on a limited basis before deciding to adopt. New ideas that can be tried on the installment plan will generally be adopted more rapidly than innovations that are not divisible.
Trialability of an innovation is important for its diffusion for several reasons. The feeling of insecurity associated with the adoption of something new and previously unknown is greatly minimized if it can be tried out on a small scale. The result of the trial, if successful, not only minimizes the risk and insecurity, it also gives the farmer on opportunity to evaluate the innovation in terms of its feasibility and applicability to his own situation. Some examples here will make the concept clear
If a farmer can try seeds/fertilizers/ pesticides on a small patch of land, he can decide whether it is worth adopting on the whole farm. This reduces the risk for the farmers because he loses money he will lose only on a small scale.
Similarly for a housewife, if she has to adopt preparation of weaning food (food for babies) she can prepare only a little quantity and if the baby likes the food, she can prepare larger quantities and store.
You can also take the example of soap powders. In the market small sachets of 10 and 20 gms are available. If the housewife finds it good she can purchase a 1/2 kg or 1 kg packet.
Thus trialability is an important characteristic which an individual will look for as he or she can reduce the risk of large scale failure. Some innovations like large machines and house hold equipment take a longer time to adopt because they cannot be tried on a small scale.
The Trialability of an innovation, as perceived by members of a social system, is positively related to its rate of adoption. Transfer of technology is faster with the technologies which can be demonstrable on small scale basis i.e. on trial basis.
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