A researcher studies language development by selecting a sample of two-year-old children and giving them a language skill test. Each year for the next two years, the children are brought back and tested again. The researcher plans to compare the children's scores at age two, age three, and age four. This study is an example of a(n) ____.
A) time-series design
B) interrupted time-series design
C) cross-sectional developmental design
D) longitudinal developmental design

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This study is an example of a longitudinal developmental design because the same group of children are followed over time and tested at multiple points in their development. A time-series design would involve measuring the same variable over time but may not necessarily involve the same group of participants. An interrupted time-series design involves introducing an intervention or treatment at a certain point in time and measuring the effect on the outcome variable. A cross-sectional developmental design involves testing different groups of participants at different ages to compare differences between age groups.

A Researcher Studies Language Development by Selecting a Sample of Two-Year-Old