In the context of human development, a researcher intends to explore how…
2023
In the context of human development, a researcher intends to explore how coping skills develop among students at different levels of schooling as their age increases. The researcher can explore this by adopting:
- A.
Cross-sectional design
- B.
Quasi-experimental design
- C.
Longitudinal design
- D.
Experimental design
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Research designs differ mainly in WHO is measured and WHEN: a longitudinal design follows the SAME group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period to track how a trait changes with age; a cross-sectional design measures DIFFERENT individuals at ONE point in time; a quasi-experimental design compares groups formed WITHOUT random assignment, typically to evaluate an intervention's effect; and an experimental design manipulates a variable under random assignment to establish cause-and-effect.
Here the goal is to see how coping skills change AS THE SAME STUDENTS move through schooling and grow older. That requires repeatedly measuring one cohort over an extended span, which is exactly what a longitudinal design provides.
Cross-sectional design: compares different age groups only once, so any difference could reflect cohort/generational effects rather than genuine within-person development.
Quasi-experimental design: is built to evaluate an intervention's effect across non-randomised groups, not to trace a trait's natural trajectory over time.
Experimental design: manipulates a variable under random assignment to test causation, not to observe how a trait naturally unfolds as students age.
Hence, only a longitudinal design directly matches the stated goal of tracking the same students' coping-skill development across increasing age and schooling level.