Dr. Bloom wanted to learn whether ice cream preferences change at different stages of development. For her study, she conducted a one-time assessment in which she asked a group of 5-year-olds, a group of 15-year-olds, and a group of 30-year-olds to identify their ice cream preferences. Dr. Bloom conducted a _____ study.
A) case
B) cross-sectional
C) longitudinal
D) cross-sequential

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dr. Bloom conducted a cross-sectional study because she compared different age groups at one point in time to explore whether ice cream preferences change with age. A cross-sectional study only looks at one point in time and compares different groups, whereas longitudinal studies follow the same group of individuals over a period of time. Cross-sequential studies combine both cross-sectional and longitudinal methods by examining different age groups and following them over time. A case study explores the unique characteristics of one individual or situation.

Dr Bloom Wanted to Learn Whether Ice Cream Preferences Change