Which of the following is a pro of sequential designs?

• A. They avoid cohort effects.
• B. They reveal cohort effects and allow for both longitudinal and cross-sectional comparisons.
• C. They guarantee no problems of longitudinal studies.
• D. They are cheaper than cross-sectional studies.

Answer: (B)

Sequential designs study several age groups over multiple points in time, blending cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches. This setup allows researchers to watch how individuals change as they age (longitudinal) while also comparing different age groups at the same times (cross-sectional). Because of that structure, they can identify cohort effects—differences tied to being born in a particular era—without sacrificing the ability to examine change over time.

That combination is why the best choice is that these designs reveal cohort effects and allow for both longitudinal and cross-sectional comparisons. They don’t eliminate cohort differences; instead, they illuminate them and let researchers separate age-related change from generational differences. They don’t guarantee the absence of longitudinal study problems—issues like attrition or practice effects can still arise—and they aren’t inherently cheaper than cross-sectional studies, since they can require more complex planning and longer data collection.