Question

Over a 2-year period, a team of scientists records the eating behaviors and physical activity patterns of a group of healthy 8-year-old children to determine whether these factors are associated with weight gain. This study is an example of a(n) ________ study.

1) Observational
2) Experimental
3) Correlational
4) Longitudinal

Answer 1

The study where scientists record eating behaviors and physical activity over a 2-year period to see its association with weight gain in children is a longitudinal study.

Step-by-step explanation:

Over a 2-year period, a team of scientists records the eating behaviors and physical activity patterns of a group of healthy 8-year-old children to determine whether these factors are associated with weight gain. This study is an example of a longitudinal study. Longitudinal studies involve following a group of research participants for an extended period of time to observe changes and developments. In this case, the scientists are not attempting to manipulate the variables but are rather recording naturally occurring behaviors and patterns to draw conclusions about the relationship between diet, activity, and weight change over time.