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

• A. A research design that randomly assigns participants to different conditions to test the effects of an intervention.
• B. A research design that follows the same group of participants over an extended period of time to observe changes.
• C. A research design that compares different age groups at a single point in time.
• D. A research design that collects data from participants only once.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key concept of a longitudinal study in developmental psychology. It involves observing the same participants repeatedly over a long period to track changes and development.
2. Step 2: Recognize that longitudinal studies differ from cross-sectional studies, which compare different age groups at one point in time, and from experimental designs that involve random assignment to conditions.
3. Step 3: Identify that a longitudinal study is not about collecting data only once, but about multiple data collection points to observe developmental trends.
4. Step 4: Review the provided options and match the description that emphasizes following the same group over time to observe changes.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of a longitudinal study is the one stating it follows the same group of participants over an extended period to observe changes.