A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What type of study design was used in Casey et al (2011)?

1. Randomized control trial

2. Cross-sectional study

3. Longitudinal study

4. Quasi-experiment

The correct answer is: Longitudinal study

In Casey et al. (2011), the researchers utilized a longitudinal study design, which is effective for examining changes over time within the same individuals. This study specifically investigated the development of self-control by drawing on data from participants who were previously studied in the 1960s and 1970s, allowing for a comparison of their self-control abilities as children and adults. By following the same cohort across different stages of life, the researchers could assess how early self-control impacted later behavior, thus providing insight into the stability of self-control over time. A longitudinal design highlights the natural developmental changes that occur and can provide more comprehensive data on the continuity of traits such as self-control. This allowed Casey et al. to explore how genetic and environmental factors could potentially influence the ability to exert self-control as individuals age. The emphasis on the same individuals across multiple assessments is a key characteristic of longitudinal research. Understanding this design is crucial as it sheds light on the evolution and stability of psychological traits across a lifespan, which is central to the findings of the study.