Which term best describes research that examines how attachment influences the lives of aging adults within the field of developmental psychology?

• A. Experimental research
• B. Behavioral genetics research
• C. Lifespan development research
• D. Cross-sectional research

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms in the question. The question asks about research that examines how attachment influences aging adults within developmental psychology. Developmental psychology studies changes across the lifespan.
2. Step 2: Review the definitions of the research types listed: Experimental research involves manipulating variables to determine cause and effect; Behavioral genetics research studies genetic influences on behavior; Cross-sectional research compares different age groups at one point in time; Lifespan development research studies psychological changes throughout the entire life span.
3. Step 3: Identify which research type focuses specifically on changes and influences across the entire lifespan, including aging adults. This is Lifespan development research, as it covers development from infancy through old age.
4. Step 4: Recognize that studying attachment's influence on aging adults fits within the scope of Lifespan development research because it examines developmental processes over time, not just at one point or through genetic factors.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best term describing this research is Lifespan development research, as it directly relates to studying developmental changes and influences throughout life, including in older adulthood.