Acculturation is the process of cultural and psychological change that occurs when cultures blend together. It can impact both the original and newly adopted cultures. Cultural diffusion is the spreading of ideas, customs, or technology between cultures through direct or indirect contact. Cultural lag occurs when some aspects of a culture change more slowly than others in response to new influences. A marginal man participates only slightly in two cultures without fully identifying with either. Ethos refers to the unique traits that characterize a particular culture. Social values help individuals determine what is good or bad and guide behavior, with ultimate values being most dominant and specific values being more concrete.