Which study would focus on participants from various age groups to draw conclusions?

Prepare for the DSST Lifespan Developmental Psychology Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

The correct choice is a cross-sectional study because it specifically involves examining participants from different age groups at a single point in time. This method allows researchers to compare various developmental stages and how they may influence behaviors, attitudes, or abilities. For instance, a cross-sectional study looking at cognitive abilities might compare children, adolescents, adults, and seniors to understand the differences in performance and developmental trends across these age groups.

In contrast, an experimental study focuses on manipulating independent variables to determine their effects on dependent variables, often using a single age group. A longitudinal study observes the same participants over time, tracking changes and developments within that specific group, which does not facilitate a direct comparison across multiple age groups at once. Lastly, a single-case study looks in-depth at one individual, which limits the ability to generalize findings across various ages. Thus, the defining characteristic of a cross-sectional study is its ability to provide insights into developmental trends by utilizing a diverse age range within a single snapshot of time.

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