Which research design is most appropriate for a researcher who wishes to study generational differences in developmental psychology?

• A. Cross-sectional design
• B. Case study design
• C. Experimental design
• D. Longitudinal design

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the goal of the research: studying generational differences means comparing different age groups or cohorts at a single point in time to see how development varies across generations.
2. Review the characteristics of each research design: a case study focuses on an in-depth analysis of a single individual or group; an experimental design involves manipulating variables to determine cause and effect; a longitudinal design studies the same individuals over an extended period; a cross-sectional design compares different groups at one point in time.
3. Identify which design allows comparison of multiple age groups or generations simultaneously without the need for long-term follow-up, which is essential for studying generational differences efficiently.
4. Recognize that the cross-sectional design fits this purpose because it collects data from different age cohorts at the same time, enabling the researcher to observe developmental differences between generations.
5. Conclude that the cross-sectional design is most appropriate for studying generational differences in developmental psychology due to its efficiency and ability to compare multiple groups simultaneously.