Question:
Which of the following is a method of studying child development that involves comparing groups of children of different ages at the same time?
Which of the following is a method of studying child development that involves comparing groups of children of different ages at the same time?
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To remember the difference between developmental research designs:
- Cross-sectional = Different age cohorts studied at one point in time (quick, cost-effective).
- Longitudinal = Same cohort studied repeatedly over a long period (tracks individual stability/change).
- Cross-sectional = Different age cohorts studied at one point in time (quick, cost-effective).
- Longitudinal = Same cohort studied repeatedly over a long period (tracks individual stability/change).
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
- Case study
- Correlational study
- Experimental study
- Cross-sectional study
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Developmental psychologists use specific research designs to study how children change over time.
These designs differ in how they select and observe age groups.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the research methodologies listed:
1. Case study:
This involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event over time.
It does not focus on comparing different age cohorts simultaneously.
Thus, Option (A) is incorrect.
2. Correlational study:
This statistical method measures the strength and direction of the relationship between two or more variables.
It does not describe a design based on comparing age cohorts at a single point in time.
Thus, Option (B) is incorrect.
3. Experimental study:
This involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable, establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
It is not defined by comparing different age groups simultaneously.
Thus, Option (C) is incorrect.
4. Cross-sectional study:
In this design, researchers compare groups of children of different ages (e.g., 5-year-olds, 8-year-olds, and 11-year-olds) at the exact same point in time.
This allows researchers to gather data on age-related differences quickly without waiting for a single group of children to grow older (which would be a longitudinal study).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Comparing children of different ages at the same time is called a cross-sectional study.
Thus, Option (D) is correct.
Developmental psychologists use specific research designs to study how children change over time.
These designs differ in how they select and observe age groups.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the research methodologies listed:
1. Case study:
This involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event over time.
It does not focus on comparing different age cohorts simultaneously.
Thus, Option (A) is incorrect.
2. Correlational study:
This statistical method measures the strength and direction of the relationship between two or more variables.
It does not describe a design based on comparing age cohorts at a single point in time.
Thus, Option (B) is incorrect.
3. Experimental study:
This involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable, establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
It is not defined by comparing different age groups simultaneously.
Thus, Option (C) is incorrect.
4. Cross-sectional study:
In this design, researchers compare groups of children of different ages (e.g., 5-year-olds, 8-year-olds, and 11-year-olds) at the exact same point in time.
This allows researchers to gather data on age-related differences quickly without waiting for a single group of children to grow older (which would be a longitudinal study).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Comparing children of different ages at the same time is called a cross-sectional study.
Thus, Option (D) is correct.
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