To measure whether older people are calmer than younger people, a researcher gives 20-year-olds, 40-year-olds, and 60-year-olds a questionnaire. This research technique is called a(n):
A) experiment.
B) longitudinal study.
C) cross-sectional study.
D) correlational study.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A cross-sectional study involves comparing different groups of people at the same point in time. In this case, the researcher is comparing younger and older age groups to see if there are differences in calmness. An experiment involves manipulating a variable to see its effect on another variable, a longitudinal study involves following the same group of people over a period of time, and a correlational study involves examining the relationship between two variables.

To Measure Whether Older People Are Calmer Than Younger People