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.

• A. longitudinal
• B. cross-sectional
• C. cross-sequential
• D. combination of cross-sectional and cross-sequential

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key characteristics of each research design option: longitudinal, cross-sectional, cross-sequential, and combination of cross-sectional and cross-sequential.
2. A longitudinal design involves studying the same group of participants over a period of time to observe changes and developments.
3. A cross-sectional design involves studying different groups of participants at one point in time to compare differences across groups.
4. A cross-sequential design combines elements of both longitudinal and cross-sectional designs, studying several groups over time.
5. Since the study involves observing the same group of parents and children (Helle and her parents) over multiple years, it aligns with the characteristics of a longitudinal design.