Mark is a graduate student who is studying identity formation. He interviews a group of 5-year-olds, a group of 10-year-olds, and a group of 15-year-olds, and asks them what they plan to be when they finish school. In this example, Mark is using a _____ research design.
A)longitudinal
B)cross-sequential
C)factorial
D)cross-sectional

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mark is studying different age groups at the same time, and comparing their responses, which is the definition of a cross-sectional research design. In a longitudinal design, Mark would need to follow the same group of individuals over time to study changes in identity formation. A cross-sequential design combines elements of both longitudinal and cross-sectional designs, by studying several groups at different points in time. A factorial design involves manipulating multiple independent variables to study their combined effects on a dependent variable, which is not applicable in this example.

Mark Is a Graduate Student Who Is Studying Identity Formation