A research team is trying to understand social development from childhood to adolescence. They plan to collect data from different age groups (ages 8, 12, and 16) at one time point. This would be a ________________.

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key characteristics of the study design described in the problem. The research team is collecting data from different age groups at one time point.
2. Understand the definition of a cross-sectional study. It involves observing different subjects (in this case, different age groups) at a single point in time to compare differences and similarities.
3. Differentiate between a cross-sectional study and a longitudinal study. A longitudinal study involves observing the same subjects over a period of time to assess changes and developments.
4. Consider why the study is not experimental. An experimental study typically involves manipulating variables to observe effects, which is not described in this scenario.
5. Recognize that a case study involves an in-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases, which does not align with the study's description of comparing multiple age groups.