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. cross-sectional
• B. longitudinal
• C. cross-sequential
• D. cross-longitudinal

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key characteristics of the study design described in the problem. The study involves comparing two different age groups (20-year-olds and 40-year-olds) and revisiting them at multiple points in time.
2. Understand the definitions of the different types of study designs: Cross-sectional studies compare different groups at a single point in time, longitudinal studies follow the same group over time, and cross-sequential studies combine elements of both by following multiple groups over time.
3. Analyze the study design: Since the study involves both comparing different age groups and following them over time, it incorporates elements of both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs.
4. Recognize that a cross-sequential design is used when researchers want to study changes over time within different age groups, allowing for the examination of both age-related changes and cohort effects.
5. Conclude that the study described by Dr. Ramirez is a cross-sequential design, as it involves both cross-sectional and longitudinal elements by comparing different age groups and following them over time.