Determine What Type of Observational Study Is Described

question 42

Multiple Choice

Determine what type of observational study is described. Explain.
-A researcher wanted to determine whether women with children are more likely to develop anxiety disordersthan women without children. She selected a sample of 900 twenty-year old women and followed them for atwenty-year period. At the start of the study, none of the women had children. By the end of the study 53% ofthe women had at least one child. The level of anxiety of each participant was evaluated at the beginning andat the end of the study and the increase (or decrease) in anxiety was recorded. The researchers analyzed theresults to determine whether there was an association between anxiety and having children.

• A) cohort; Individuals are observed over a long period of time.
• B) cross-sectional; Information is collected at a specific point in time.
• C) retrospective; Individuals are asked to look back in time.

---

Definitions:

Life Expectancy

The average period a person is expected to live, based on statistical averages of age, sex, and other factors in a given population.

Warning Sign

An indication or symptom that suggests the presence of a potential issue, problem, or danger that requires attention.

Extended Regression

A statistical technique that involves extending the regression analysis to include multiple independent variables and their interactions.

Depressive Disorder

A group of conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities, significantly affecting daily life.