Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What type of research design examines subjects at a single point in time?

1. Longitudinal Studies

2. Cross-Sectional Studies

3. Case Studies

4. Experimental Design

The correct answer is: Cross-Sectional Studies

Cross-sectional studies are characterized by their focus on assessing data at a single point in time. This type of research design is particularly useful for examining the prevalence or relationships among variables within a population without the need for follow-up over extended periods. It allows researchers to capture a snapshot of information, making it feasible to identify patterns and correlations among different demographic or social groups at that specific moment. By gathering data from a variety of subjects simultaneously, cross-sectional studies can efficiently explore trends or differences between groups, provide insights into public health issues, and inform clinical practices, policy-making, or social interventions. This design is widely used in fields such as psychology, sociology, and epidemiology, where understanding the current state of affairs is vital. In contrast, longitudinal studies track the same subjects over time, offering insights into changes and developments but requiring more extensive resources and time commitment. Case studies focus on a detailed examination of a single subject or group over a period, while experimental designs involve manipulating variables to observe outcomes, typically not limited to a single moment in time.