tunnlinsmodell

A tunnlinmodell, often translated as a "tunnel model" or "tunneling model," is a conceptual framework or theoretical approach used in various fields to describe phenomena that occur in a stepwise, discontinuous manner, rather than a smooth, continuous progression. The core idea is that a system or entity must overcome a certain barrier or threshold, often referred to as a "tunnel," before it can transition to a new state or exhibit a different behavior.

In psychology, the concept of tunneling can be applied to learning or skill acquisition. A learner might make little apparent progress for a significant period, appearing to be "stuck" at a certain level. Then, with a sudden breakthrough, they rapidly acquire the skill or understanding, as if they have "tunneled" through a barrier to a higher level of proficiency. This is sometimes contrasted with gradual improvement models.

In physics, particularly in quantum mechanics, tunneling is a literal phenomenon where a particle can pass through a potential energy barrier even if it does not have enough classical energy to overcome it. The "tunnlinmodell" in this context would refer to the mathematical or conceptual description of this quantum mechanical effect.

The term can also be used more broadly in economics, sociology, or engineering to describe processes where innovation, adoption of new technologies, or social change occurs in discrete jumps after periods of stagnation or slow development. The common thread is the idea of an inherent resistance or barrier that must be overcome for progression to occur.