Longitudinal studies of changes in intelligence over the life-span paint a more accurate picture of reality than do cross-sectional studies because
A) longitudinal studies require more time to conduct and therefore researchers can make a more careful analysis of the important variables that influence development.
B) cross-sectional studies do not take into consideration the fact that older people have had different educational and cultural experiences than younger people have had.
C) cross-sectional studies tend to be conducted with biased samples.
D) in cross-sectional studies older people can be intimidated by the presence of younger people.
E) none of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional studies often fail to account for cohort effects, which are differences between age groups that arise from the unique historical and cultural experiences of each cohort. Longitudinal studies, by tracking the same individuals over time, can better isolate the effects of aging from these cohort differences.

Longitudinal Studies of Changes in Intelligence Over the Life-Span Paint