Define, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of a cross-sectional and longitudinal
design.
What will be an ideal response?
In the cross-sectional design, the researcher assesses different-aged people at the
same time of measurement. This design is very economical, and allows researchers
to gather developmental data quickly. Unfortunately, one can only posit age
differences, because of potential cohort differences between the age groups. In this
design, age is confounded with history or cohort. In the longitudinal design, the
researcher studies one age group over time. This type of study is more costly and
time consuming than the cross-sectional study, and the researcher must be concerned
with selective dropout, testing, and possible societal changes that may affect the study
results (AKA time of measurement effect). However, the researcher, with proper
controls, can make a stronger case for the documentation of normative age-graded
influences than the researcher that uses a cross-sectional design.
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The example of Joshua Bell presented in the module illustrates:
A. that physical appearance influences our judgments of other people B. the influence of motivation on intelligence C. groupthink in an educational setting D. how changes in the brain influence social behavior
Sometimes people find themselves unable to move their postural muscles immediately after awakening Why?
a. Blood pressure is too low b. The motor nerves are inactive until body temperature reaches its normal level. c. An increase in light striking the eyes reflexively inhibits the motor neurons. d. Part of the brain is still asleep.
Guided compliance involves positive punishment for noncompliance and negative reinforcement for compliance
a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false
In the 18th and 19th centuries, American lawyers became lawyers by
A. attending college for one year. B. attending college for two years. C. being an apprentice. D. declaring themselves to be one.