In a study on changes in weather patterns in Buffalo, NY, temperatures were recorded for each month, using a sample of 10 zip codes. The process of recording temperature per month was repeated every 5 years for a different sample of 10 zip codes. The data covered a total time period of 20 years. What type of research study is this?
A) longitudinal study
B) cross-sectional study
C) repeated cross-sectional study
D) prospective study

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is a repeated cross-sectional study because it involves taking multiple snapshots over time (every 5 years) with different samples (different zip codes each time) to observe changes in weather patterns. Unlike a longitudinal study, which follows the same subjects over time, this approach samples different subjects (zip codes) at each time point.

In a Study on Changes in Weather Patterns in Buffalo