Which type of study should be used when data are collected at only one point in time?
A) Cross-sectional
B) Retrospective
C) Longitudinal
D) Prospective

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When data are collected at only one point in time, the best type of study to use is a cross-sectional study. In a cross-sectional study, data are collected at a single point in time from a population or a sample of individuals. The goal of a cross-sectional study is to provide a snapshot of the population or sample at that particular moment, and to examine the relationship between different variables at that time.
A retrospective study involves collecting data on events that have already occurred, whereas a longitudinal study involves collecting data over an extended period of time. A prospective study involves identifying a group of individuals and following them over time to track the occurrence of an outcome or disease. None of these study types are appropriate for data collected at only one point in time.

Which Type of Study Should Be Used When Data Are