Which of the following is the best example of a longitudinal study in developmental psychology?

• A. Researchers observe a classroom for one week to study social interactions among students.
• B. Researchers survey a group of college students about their childhood experiences.
• C. Researchers follow a group of children from age 5 to age 18, assessing their cognitive development every three years.
• D. Researchers compare the memory abilities of 5-year-olds, 10-year-olds, and 15-year-olds at one point in time.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a longitudinal study: it involves observing or assessing the same participants repeatedly over an extended period of time to track changes and development.
2. Review each option and identify whether the study design involves repeated observations of the same individuals over time.
3. Option 1 describes observing a classroom for one week, which is a short-term observation and not longitudinal.
4. Option 2 involves surveying college students about past experiences, which is retrospective and not longitudinal because it does not follow participants over time.
5. Option 3 describes following the same group of children from age 5 to age 18 and assessing them every three years, which fits the definition of a longitudinal study perfectly.