Longitudinal research can identify common patterns as well as individual differences in development because the investigator
A) randomly assigns participants to treatment conditions.
B) tracks the performance of each person over time.
C) studies groups of participants differing in age at the same point in time.
D) conducts quasi-experiments, comparing conditions that already exist.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Longitudinal research involves following the same individuals over time and tracking their development. This allows for the identification of both common patterns of development as well as individual differences. The other options (A, C, D) do not necessarily involve following individuals over time and thus would not be able to identify longitudinal patterns of development.

Longitudinal Research Can Identify Common Patterns as Well as Individual