AP Psychology Practice Test

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Study for the AP Psychology Exam with a comprehensive quiz that includes flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Prepare effectively for your exam!

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What is compared in a cross-sectional study?

The same people over a period of time
People of different ages
Biological changes due to aging
Different cultures' timing of social events

The correct answer is: People of different ages

In a cross-sectional study, researchers compare different groups of individuals who represent various ages or developmental stages at a single point in time. This method allows for the examination of age-related differences in behavior or characteristics without the need for longitudinal data collection, which involves following the same individuals over time. By comparing people of different ages, researchers can assess how specific variables vary across different developmental stages. For example, a cross-sectional study might explore cognitive abilities across age groups, observing how these abilities change as individuals mature. This contrasts with methods like longitudinal studies, where the same subjects would be tracked for changes over time, or experimental designs that might focus on specific interventions or cultural observations.