The title of the infographic is, Thinking Critically About: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Studies
The Learning Objective Question reads, What are cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, and why is it important to know which method was used?
The first panel depicts the Cross-sectional method of study with an introductory text that reads, researchers using the cross-sectional method study different groups at one time. They have found that mental ability declines with age (Wechsler, 1972). A schematic illustration shows a group of people belonging to different age groups, sitting in a row and studying. Each of them holds a paper and a pen. Accompanying text reads, Comparing 70-year-olds and 30-year-olds means comparing two different people but also two different eras. These researchers were comparing:
A clipart shows a graduation cap with text that reads, generally less-educated people (born in the early 1900s) with better-educated people (born after 1950).
A clipart shows a family of 5 with text that reads, people raised in large families with people raised in smaller families.
A clipart shows the dollar symbol with text that reads, people from less-affluent families with people from more-affluent families.
The second panel depicts the Longitudinal method of study with an introductory text that reads, Researchers using the longitudinal method study and restudy the same group at different times in their life span. They have found that intelligence remains stable, and on some tests it even increases! (Salthouse, 2004, 2010; Schaie & Gelwitz, 1982)
A schematic illustration shows a timeline with three levels labeled 1950, 1985, and present. The timeline shows the same people on each level. As each person progresses through the levels, they are shown to have aged. Accompanying text reads, Participants who survive to the end of these studies may be the healthiest and brightest people. When researchers adjust for loss of participants, they find a steeper intelligence decline, especially after age 85 (Brayne, et. al., 1999). A gravestone icon is shown on the right side of the text.