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.

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key characteristics of each research design option: cross-sectional, longitudinal, cross-sequential, and cross-longitudinal.
2. Understand that a cross-sectional design involves observing different age groups at a single point in time to compare differences across ages.
3. Recognize that a longitudinal design involves observing the same group of individuals over an extended period to assess changes over time.
4. Note that a cross-sequential design combines elements of both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, observing different cohorts over time.
5. Determine that the study described involves comparing two distinct age groups (6-year-olds and 10-year-olds) at one point in time, which aligns with a cross-sectional design.