In: Psychology
For each of the following three lifespan research approaches, design a study to test the hypothesis, "as people age they become smarter."
1.Cross-sectional
2.Longitudinal
3.Sequential
In cross sectional studies, more than one sample is compared at a single point of time. In order to test the hypothesis "as people age they become smarter", 3 groups may be selected. The group can be divided into different age groups:
Group1 : 5 year old
Group2: 10 year old
Group3: 15 year old
We can compare the cohorts using different intelligence tests and observation of their behavior that reflects cognitive develoment and function.
The intelligence
In Longitudinal study, researchers observe a same subject over a long period of time. The subject cognitive development and intelligence can be observed from childhood till adolescent or adulthood. The changes in different developmental stages may be observed and recorded.
Sequential study is a combination of both cross sectional and longitudinal design. Different groups are taken and studied over a long period of time and the changes in the gruops and the difference in the group are studied.
E.g.: The group can be divided into male and female and the study can be recorded from childhood through adolescent. The cognitive changes can be observed and compared between the two groups.