Professor Ming plans a study that includes participants in the age ranges of: 6-12, 13-19, 20-40, and 50-70. All of her participants will be from an area that experienced a natural disaster, such as a deadly hurricane or earthquake. Professor Ming will then look at symptoms of depression and anxiety in each of the age groups to draw conclusions about age-related differences in the processing of traumatic events. Which research design is best suited for this study?
A) experimental
B) cross-sectional
C) longitudinal
D) sequential

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A cross-sectional design would be best suited for this study as Professor Ming is comparing different age groups at one point in time. She is not following the same group of individuals over time (longitudinal) or adding new cohorts over time (sequential). Additionally, an experimental design may not be ethical or practical as she cannot assign participants to experience a natural disaster.

Professor Ming Plans a Study That Includes Participants in the Age