What process is characterized by the integration of new cultural elements through techniques like discovery or invention?

The process characterized by the integration of new cultural elements through techniques like discovery or invention is known as innovation. Innovation occurs when novel ideas, practices, or objects are created, which can subsequently be adopted by society or culture. This can involve technological advancements, new methods of doing things, or entirely new concepts that enhance or change existing cultural practices.

Innovation is central to cultural evolution, as it allows societies to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, leading to greater diversity and complexity within cultures. For example, the invention of the internet represents an innovation that transformed communication, commerce, and lifestyle across the globe.

In contrast, absorption refers to the process by which one culture takes in and incorporates elements from another culture, while tradition is more about the sustained transmission of established cultural practices and beliefs over time. Adaptation typically relates to the adjustments made in response to external factors, such as environmental changes, rather than the creation of new elements. Thus, innovation is distinct in its focus on new developments that influence culture.