8. Development Across the Life Span

A psychologist observes a group of 6-year-olds and a group of 10-year-olds during recess at school in order to assess changes in playgroup preferences between these two ages. This researcher's study uses a _____ design.

Dr. Ramirez conducted a study that compared a group of 20-year-olds and a group of 40-year-olds. Each group was revisited five years later, and again five years after that. This is a _____ design.

A research design in a group of similar participants is followed and studied over a long period of time is called a _____ design.

Dr. Sardonicus is studying the effects of aging on memory. She gives an initial test of memory to a group of 20-year-olds and a group of 40-year-olds. Then she follows both groups of participants for a period of five years, regularly giving them memory tests during that time. Which research design is Dr. Sardonicus using?

When Helle was born, her parents agreed to allow her to participate in a research project that investigates the development of motor skills in children. Every year, Helle's parents complete a survey answering questions about how Helle's motor skills have changed. The researchers are using only one group of parents and children for the study. Helle and her parents are participating in a study that uses a _____ design.

One disadvantage of a longitudinal research design is