Final answer:
The use of spankings is not found to be increasing as per the provided information, and such an assertion is false. Spanking as a form of punishment has been increasingly criticized and discouraged due to its negative effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a longitudinal study found that the use of spankings is increasing while the use of time-outs is decreasing is false. Research indicates that the trend is moving away from physical punishment, including spanking, due to its ineffectiveness and potential harmful outcomes. Practices of physical punishment vary by culture and education, with it being more common in certain regions and among those without a college education. Moreover, spanking has been associated with increased aggression in the recipient. While spankings are still legally permitted in certain states within school systems, there are clear guidelines for their use, and many studies discourage their application as a disciplinary measure.